Gang Crime Down 23 Percent Since 2023, Says Homeland Security Minister

Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan has stated that gang crime in the Maldives has decreased by 23 percent since the People’s National Congress (PNC) administration assumed office in 2023.

Speaking on Public Service Media’s Haftha 104 programme on Tuesday night, Ihusan said the reduction followed the ministry’s directive for police to form a dedicated unit to tackle gang-related offences. He said the unit’s work has led to a notable decline in gang crime over the past two years.

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Ihusan expressed confidence that the situation will continue to improve. He said that, through ongoing efforts, the government aims to bring gang crime down to a level that is acceptable to the Maldivian public by the end of the remaining three years of the administration’s term.

The minister said the previous Anti-Gang Act had proven ineffective and that the new legislation introduced under the PNC government has given law enforcement agencies the powers required to address gang activity more effectively. The new laws allow authorities to enter and search private properties without a warrant, arrest suspects without a court order, hold them for up to 48 hours without access to legal counsel, and deny bail. The legislation also introduces prison sentences of more than 10 years and substantial fines.

In April, the Homeland Security Ministry reported that 83 criminal gangs were operating across the Maldives, with more than 3,500 active members. According to the ministry, 45 of these gangs were based in Malé, accounting for over 2,500 members, including 85 minors.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, speaking at a rally on Monday to mark his administration’s second anniversary, said the strengthened legal framework is delivering results. He said many gang members have abandoned criminal activities and that only a small number of groups now meet the legal criteria to be classified as criminal organisations.