Police Conduct Over 400 Raids in Male’ and Hulhumale’ Amid Gang Crime Crackdown

The Gang Crime Suppression Department carried out 415 raids across areas identified as gang crime hotspots in Male’ and Hulhumale’ over the weekend. 

During the operation, 94 individuals were questioned and six vehicles were searched, with four of the vehicles subsequently impounded. Police also conducted over nine hours of foot patrols in the targeted areas.

Authorities confirmed that one case has been submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office for a group to be formally declared a gang under the Prevention of Gang Crimes Act. The office has requested further clarification before proceeding with the case.

Since the legislation came into force, police have raided six locations and arrested 11 individuals across seven separate cases. Superintendent Ishaq Adam, head of the Gang Crime Enforcement Unit, noted that organised criminal groups were active prior to the introduction of the law and that operations are ongoing in the atolls.

Police reported a significant decrease in gang-related activity in recent months compared to earlier this year, adding that the new law provides a stronger legal framework to address organised crime effectively.