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The article presents information on the social issues in Cook Islands. Crime in the Cook Islands has been very mild compared to other countries. However, the 2002-2003 year revealed a growing problem with crime, and an apparent decline in morals and ethics. The Cook Islands has been identified as the third highest exporter into New Zealand of illegal products such as turtle meat and shells, as well as giant clam meat. One of the government's continuing problems centers on its offshore banking industry, which has been targeted by countries such as the United States. It has tried unsuccessfully to get the Cook Islands removed from the list of eleven countries blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force for questionable activities.