The “Bill on Preventing Crimes Committed by Gangs and Other Dangerous Crimes” has been submitted to Parliament, aiming to impose stringent penalties to curb gang-related activities. Submitted on behalf of the government by Musthafa Hussain, Member of Parliament for Machangolhi South Constituency, the bill targets severe punishments for major organized crimes, including gang offenses, and grants law enforcement agencies enhanced powers to act against perpetrators.
The bill’s objectives include measures to separate individuals involved in criminal activities from such environments, facilitate their reintegration into society, and establish special monitoring and enforcement procedures. It classifies the formation and operation of organized crime groups as offenses, punishable by 25 years in prison and fines ranging from 200,000 MVR to 10,000,000 MVR. Attempts or assistance in such crimes carry an 18-year prison sentence with fines between 100,000 MVR and 5,000,000 MVR.
Recruitment into organized crime groups is also deemed an offense. Should a minor be recruited, the responsible party faces a 25-year prison term and fines between 200,000 MVR and 10,000,000 MVR. Recruitment of adults incurs a 20-year sentence with fines ranging from 100,000 MVR to 7,000,000 MVR.
The bill additionally prescribes penalties for those assisting in recruitment, joining crime groups, using private properties for criminal activities, or intimidating witnesses. In cases where a legal entity or its responsible person is involved in organized crime, provisions allow for dissolving the entity and imposing fines on the individual between 100,000 MVR to 100,000,000 MVR.
