The Maldives government is pursuing the recovery of an estimated $400 million allegedly looted by former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and his associates. Gayoom, who ruled for 30 years, is one of several politically connected figures targeted in repatriation efforts of misappropriated funds.
A 2009 audit report detailed extravagant spending, including:
These expenses are highlighted against the backdrop of the Maldives' relatively low GDP per capita.
The case is part of a broader, international effort to recover misappropriated funds from corrupt officials. While there has been some progress, officials and experts believe much more can be done.