In a landmark move to reclaim the streets from criminal syndicates, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu today ratified the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act—ushering in the Maldives’ most formidable legal arsenal against organised crime to date.
The sweeping legislation, passed by Parliament on 15 May, replaces outdated statutes that had failed to curb the rise of gang violence and intimidation. It introduces a comprehensive framework that empowers law enforcement, imposes severe penalties, and prioritises the protection of vulnerable youth from criminal recruitment.
🔒 Law and Order Reinforced
Under the new law, forming or operating an organised criminal group is punishable by 25 years in prison and fines up to MVR 10 million (approximately USD 650,000). Recruiting minors into gangs carries the same prison term, while recruiting adults results in a 20-year sentence and fines up to MVR 7 million. Aiding or abetting such activities incurs an 18-year sentence and substantial fines.
The Act grants law enforcement unprecedented powers, including warrantless arrests and searches in cases of serious crimes, and the ability to detain suspects for up to 48 hours without legal counsel. Courts are authorised to confiscate illicit assets linked to organised crime, and parole can be denied for major offenders. Additionally, the law introduces electronic tagging through the MoniCon Order to monitor high-risk individuals.
🛡️ Shielding the Youth
A significant focus of the legislation is the prevention of youth involvement in gangs. The law prohibits the sale of knives to minors and establishes structured systems for offender supervision and rehabilitation. These measures aim to dismantle the recruitment pipelines that have historically drawn young individuals into criminal networks.
📊 Results Already Evident
Since the establishment of a dedicated Gang Crime Enforcement Unit in July 2024, authorities have questioned over 31,500 individuals in gang hotspots, leading to 180 arrests and charges against 83 suspects. Notably, no lives have been lost to gang violence during this period, indicating the effectiveness of the government’s intensified efforts.
🗣️ A President’s Pledge
At the ratification ceremony, President Muizzu criticised previous administrations for their lack of decisive action against criminal networks, attributing their inaction to political considerations. He emphasised that the new law is not merely symbolic but a tangible step towards restoring public safety.
“One of the things that facilitates nefarious things in the Maldives is gang-related crimes. I want our society to live in a peaceful and safe environment. If everyone works together, we can certainly make it happen,” the President stated.
The Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act will come into force three months after its publication in the Government Gazette, replacing earlier statutes concerning intimidation, dangerous weapons, and gang-related crime.
With this decisive action, the Maldives signals a new era of zero tolerance towards organised crime, aiming to ensure a safer and more secure environment for all its citizens.