Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan has warned that gangs will no longer be able to operate outside the jurisdiction of the law following the ratification of the new landmark law to combat organised crime and gang related violence.
Speaking to reporters after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act, Minister Ihusaan pointed out that a law was passed in 2010 to curb rising gang violence and organised crime in the country. However, the biggest challenge to enforcement agencies was the lack of judicial identification of gangs and affiliated individuals. The new law will however, remove hurdles to the prosecution and sentencing of offenders, he said.
"These are not easy changes. Enhancement of law enforcement powers and judicial identification of crimes and offenders will make it very difficult for many people involved in these activities to do what they are doing now," he explained.
The new law defines offences and penalties related to gang activity and serious organised crimes in the Maldives. It enhances law enforcement powers, introduces measures to protect children from gang involvement, and establishes systems to monitor and manage high-risk individuals. The Act also lays out a broader framework for prevention and enforcement measures.
While previous legislation targeting gang activity, intimidation, and the possession of dangerous weapons has been in place since 2010, it has not produced effective results. The new law addresses these gaps and provides the stronger response the public has long called for.
The Minister assured that enforcement agencies will ensure that offenders cannot operate beyond the reach of the new law.
"I believe this is a law that even those who are involved in such criminal activity would think twice about getting away from a life of crime. I am confident that it will happen,” Minister Ihusaan said, warning that law enforcement agencies will not back down from enforcing the new law down to the letter.
The Minister also expressed confidence that the new law would revolutionise efforts to prevent gang related crimes, adding that the public should expect to see positive changes when it comes into force.
The Government has taken significant steps over the past 18 months to tackle gang-related crime. A dedicated Gang Crime Enforcement Unit was established within the Maldives Police Service on July 1, 2024. Since then, 31,511 individuals have been questioned in gang hotspots, 180 arrests have been made, and charges filed against 83 suspects. Notably, no lives have been lost to gang violence during this period.
The new law will fully come into effect in three months.