MALE/TOKYO -- Surrounded by azure waters and year-round sun, the Maldives is a popular destination for holidaymakers and honeymooners. But there is another side to this country of pristine islands and glamorous resorts. It is also a transit point for shipments that circumvent sanctions against Russia.
In the year after Russia invaded Ukraine, approximately 400,000 U.S.-made semiconductors worth a total of $53.6 million were shipped to Russia via the Maldives, according to Russian customs clearance data obtained from the Indian research firm Export Genius and analyzed by Nikkei.
