Gang crime unresolved due to insufficient political will: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Maldives’ longstanding struggle with gang crime has persisted due to a lack of political will and the prioritization of personal interests over public safety.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office today, shortly after ratifying the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act, President Muizzu said that his administration would break from the past and address the issue head-on.

“This government will not be like the ones before. We will not be trapped in the past. I want to resolve these problems,” he said, calling for broad-based cooperation across political and social lines.

“I need the cooperation of all parties. If we work together, we can overcome problems.”

The new law, passed by Parliament earlier this month, is designed to empower enforcement agencies and implement systemic reforms to tackle organized crime. It includes provisions to identify gangs, confiscate illicit wealth, criminalize financial support to criminal groups, and introduce enhanced monitoring of high-risk individuals.

President Muizzu said the law reflects a change in direction, one aimed not at increasing convictions, but at reducing crime.

“The purpose of such laws is not to convict people, but to deter them from committing crimes,” he said.

“While crime may be part of human nature, it can be reduced.”

He added that solutions to gang violence require societal unity.

“If we establish mutual understanding, it will not be difficult. We will be able to prevent crimes committed in groups and damage to property. The bad habits in society can be addressed if everyone speaks with one voice.”

Under the new Act, police must follow standard investigative procedures to prove an individual’s membership in a gang or involvement in organized crime. Once such associations are confirmed, the law prohibits forming certain ties with known gang members and bans the registration of associations linked to criminal groups.

The legislation also mandates the publication of names and photos of identified gang members. This information must be shared not only with the public and state institutions but also with law enforcement agencies in countries with which the Maldives maintains diplomatic ties. The list of gang members is to be updated every six months.