New Organised Crime Law Aims to Dismantle Gang Operations, Says Minister Ihusaan
Maldives police officers managing crowds in the streets | Photo: MPS
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has stated that gangs will no longer be able to operate beyond the reach of the law, following the ratification of a new law aimed at tackling organised crime and gang-related violence in the Maldives.
The Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act, signed into law by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, introduces a comprehensive legal framework to address serious organised crime. The legislation defines offences and penalties linked to gang activity, strengthens law enforcement powers, and includes specific measures to protect children from gang involvement. It also establishes systems to monitor and manage high-risk individuals.
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Minister Ihusaan noted that while a law targeting gang crime was first enacted in 2010, enforcement agencies have struggled to prosecute and sentence offenders due to the absence of legal mechanisms to identify gangs and their members. The new Act seeks to eliminate such challenges by enabling judicial identification of individuals and organisations involved in criminal activities.
He described the changes as significant and acknowledged the impact they would have on those engaged in gang-related activities, stating that enhanced law enforcement capabilities would create substantial barriers for criminal operations.
The Minister also expressed confidence that the law would mark a turning point in efforts to combat gang violence. He indicated that it responds to long-standing public demand for a more robust and effective approach to organised crime.
The legislation is set to come into full effect within three months. In the lead-up to its implementation, the Government has already taken several steps to address gang activity. A specialised Gang Crime Enforcement Unit was established within the Maldives Police Service on 1 July 2024. Since its formation, the unit has questioned over 31,500 individuals in known gang hotspots, made 180 arrests, and filed charges against 83 suspects. Significantly, there have been no reported fatalities due to gang violence during this period.
Minister Ihusaan assured that enforcement agencies would apply the new law rigorously and stated that its impact would be visible once it comes into force.
