Police Commissioner Vows Ethical Enforcement of New Anti-Gang Law

Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen has pledged that the Maldives Police Service will not misuse the extensive powers granted under the newly ratified Prevention of Gang Crimes Act.

In an interview with PSM News following his appointment as Commissioner of Police, Naveen addressed public concerns about the potential abuse of authority under the new legislation. He emphasised that the police would uphold ethical standards and moral responsibility while implementing the law.

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The Prevention of Gang Crimes Act, which was ratified by the President on 25 May, aims to tackle organised criminal activity and associated offences in the Maldives. The law is set to come into force in August, three months after its ratification, and provides law enforcement agencies with enhanced powers to address long-standing challenges in dealing with gang-related crimes.

Commissioner Naveen acknowledged that while the Act equips the police with broader capabilities, it also places a duty on the service to act responsibly. “In the types of concerns that people highlight, once we begin implementing, we will understand where our moral and ethical limits lie,” he said. “I believe that the Maldives Police Service will not permit me to exploit this position for any undue benefit.”

The Commissioner also confirmed that police are actively developing procedures to enforce the Act, with data collection already underway through intelligence sources and documentation. He noted that the implementation phase would be crucial in identifying necessary actions and overcoming obstacles in the enforcement process.

Highlighting the intended impact of the law, Naveen expressed confidence that the new measures would significantly reduce gang-related crimes. He referred to the legislation as a “powerful tool” and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring its effective and ethical application.

“Our goal is to improve the law enforcement capacity around gang activities and strengthen the supporting structures,” Naveen said. “Only after the law is in effect will we truly understand what changes are needed and how to move forward.”

The government’s introduction of the Prevention of Gang Crimes Act marks a significant step in addressing the rise in gang crimes across the country, with law enforcement preparing for its full-scale implementation in the coming months.