Information of 43 child sex offenders shared with Interpol

Maldives Police Service has begun sharing information of convicted child sex offenders who have been released back into society with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

The Police, via a statement on Thursday, noted that the Child and Family Protection Service has publicized the ‘Registry of Child Sex Offenders’ under Article 57 of the Special Provisions Act to Deal with Child Sex Abuse Offenders.

According to the Police, they have begun issuing ‘Green Notice’ against individuals on the registry who have been released to society upon completing their sentences via Interpol.

Interpol Green Notice is issued as a warning for member countries about a person’s criminal record, when that person is considered a potential threat to public safety.

Green Notice has been issued against 43 individuals at present: 25 Maldivians and 18 foreigners.

The Police, emphasizing the importance of sharing information about child sex offenders with all relevant authorities to ensure child safety, stated that when such information is shared on an international scale, other countries are able to monitor the activities of these individuals. Information shared under this arrangement will be taken into consideration when implementing safety measures or giving such individuals jobs.

For example, the Police explained that when individuals who have committed such crimes in one country attempt to migrate and seek employment abroad, relevant authorities in the respective nation can prevent them from working in fields related to children.