High Court to Hear Gang Classification Case Behind Closed Doors

The High Court of the Maldives has decided to conduct a closed‑door hearing on a request to classify the group known locally as “Scoope,” based in Hithadhoo, Addu City, as a gang under the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act.

A preliminary session was held last night to determine how the case will proceed. The Bench hearing the matter comprises Justice Mohamed Shaneez Abdullah, Justice Abdul Maaniu Hussain and Justice Ibrahim Mahir.

In January, the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) said that findings meet the criteria for classification under the act. The Maldives Police Service had submitted an application under the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act (7/2025) to designate the “Scoope” collective — also referred to as “Scoope Kanmathi” or “SKP” — as an organised criminal group or gang. 

The PGO said the application was submitted under Article 63 of the act, and that nine individuals have been identified as either participating in criminal activities or belonging to the group.

In addition to seeking the gang designation, the PGO has asked the High Court to instruct the Commissioner of Sports to dissolve the “SKP Sports Club,” which authorities believe is linked to the group. The office has also requested that the Addu City Council remove graffiti and other markings in the city referencing “Scoope Kanmathi,” “SKP,” or “Scoope.”

The PGO said this is the second time the police have attempted to have a group formally designated as an organised criminal gang. A previous request was not brought forward due to insufficient evidence, but the PGO said the police were asked to gather more information and resubmit the application. The office did not disclose the name of that earlier group.

According to the PGO, this represents the first occasion on which it has filed a request with the High Court to classify a group as an “organised criminal gang” under the new legislation. The office added that, if the court approves the request, it will collaborate closely with the police on subsequent legal measures.