The High Court of the Maldives has scheduled the initial hearing for this Sunday in a landmark case filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office seeking to legally designate an Addu-based group known as “Scoop” as an organized criminal gang.
According to court schedules, the hearing is set to begin at 12:50 PM on Sunday and will mark the first time a case has proceeded to court under the Prevention of Gang-Related Crimes Act. The petition was originally filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office in January.
In its submission, the Prosecutor General’s Office asserted that the group, operating primarily in Hithadhoo, Addu City, satisfies all statutory requirements to be classified as an organized criminal group. Prosecutors maintain that the group has continued engaging in criminal activity despite the enactment of the new law.
The petition requests the High Court to formally declare “Scoope,” also known as “Scoope Kanmathi” or “SKP,” as an organized criminal group and to officially identify nine individuals as confirmed members.
In addition to the designation, prosecutors are seeking court orders aimed at dismantling structures linked to the group’s alleged influence. This includes a directive to the Commissioner of Sports to dissolve the SKP Sports Club, which authorities believe is affiliated with the group’s operations.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has also asked the court to instruct the Addu City Council to remove and permanently erase graffiti, symbols, and branding associated with “Scoop” from public walls across Addu City, describing such markings as tools used to assert dominance and intimidate communities.
Under Maldivian law, an organized criminal group is defined as a structured association of three or more individuals acting together to commit serious criminal offenses or to obtain direct or indirect material benefit.
The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that if the High Court grants the requested designation, the Maldives Police Service will be empowered to take stronger legal action against the group under the Act, including expanded investigative and enforcement measures.
Reiterating its position, the Prosecutor General’s Office said it will continue working closely with the police and relevant state institutions to curb organized crime, warning that any group meeting the legal definition of a criminal organization will face firm and sustained legal action.
