In a resolute address at the President’s Office on May 25, 2025, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act, marking a pivotal moment in the Maldives’ fight against organized crime.
“This is not some symbolic gesture. This is something real,” President Muizzu asserted, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to eradicating gang-related activities.
The President attributed the persistence of gang violence to a historical lack of political will, stating, “Gang-related crimes had remained unresolved in the Maldives for years because politicians appease gangs for their own personal gain.”
He warned that any government official found to have associations with gangs would face serious consequences, reinforcing the message that “no one is above the law.”
The newly ratified Act introduces comprehensive measures, including:
- Judicial identification of gangs and affiliated individuals.
- Confiscation of assets linked to gang activities.
- Criminalization of financial support to gangs.
- Authorization of covert operations to disrupt criminal networks.
- Preventive measures to shield youth from gang recruitment.
- Monitoring of high-risk individuals through electronic tagging.
While the law empowers enforcement agencies, President Muizzu highlighted that the primary objective is rehabilitation. “We are not looking to condemn individuals,” he said. “We want to prevent crimes, so there will be no criminals.”
He called upon all Maldivians to unite against the menace of gang violence, stating, “Creating a peaceful and safe environment is a collective responsibility. With unity and determination, we can eradicate the scourge of organized crime from our nation.”
The enactment of the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act signifies a decisive step in the Maldives’ commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.
