Maldives Police Seek First Gang Classification Under New Anti-Gang Act

The Maldives Police Service has requested the first official classification of a criminal gang under the newly enacted Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act. Speaking at a press conference at Iskandar Koshi, Superintendent of Police Ishaq Adam, Head of Gang Crimes Enforcement, highlighted the progress made since the law came into effect in August. The Police have conducted six raids, apprehended 11 suspects in seven cases, sought charges against two individuals, and referred one group to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) for classification as a gang. Ishaq noted that the PGO has requested further clarification before finalizing the classification, and the Police are currently verifying additional information. The Act, passed by Parliament on May 15 and ratified on May 25, grants law enforcement enhanced powers to combat gang-related activities. Under the law, the Police must request gang classification from the PGO, which then files a case with the High Court after due process. The alleged gang has the right to respond before a formal declaration is made. The Police have also intensified efforts to curb gang activities in the atolls, reporting a significant reduction in organized gang crimes this year.