President Ratifies Gang and Other Serious Offences Act to Curb Organized Crime

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified a crucial bill empowering courts to officially designate gangs and take targeted action to curb gang-related and organized criminal activities across the Maldives.

The ratification took place during a special ceremony held today at the President’s Office, where the new law was formally enacted. It grants the High Court the authority to label certain groups as organized criminal groups based on evidence and intelligence submitted by the Prosecutor General, in coordination with the Commissioner of Police.

Once the High Court declares a group to be a gang, the Prosecutor General will be formally notified, and the designation will be published in the Government Gazette. This public declaration is a key provision aimed at transparency and deterrence.

Speaking at the ceremony, Home Minister Ali Ihsan emphasized that the legislation goes far beyond minor legal reforms. “This law introduces special powers and procedures for the police and clearly defines organized criminal groups. The 2010 law lacked clarity, making it impossible to prosecute anyone for gang membership in 14 years. This new legislation addresses that gap by establishing a legal definition of gangs, how they are identified, how membership is determined, and what penalties apply,” he said.

The new law also introduces specific protections for intelligence operations and confidential informants. If revealing the identity of a witness or operative could jeopardize investigations or personal safety, the Commissioner of Police has the authority to designate that information as classified.

The government views this law as a critical step in its broader efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety across the nation.