Maldives Police Service has submitted a case to the Prosecutor General’s Office under the Anti Gang Crimes Act to seek the designation of a criminal group as a gang.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Gang Crime Enforcement Department head Superintendent of Police Ishaq Adam said police have sent the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office and are acting on further instructions from the office.
“We have submitted the case to determine the gang, and we are now clarifying additional matters as instructed,” Ishaq said.
Under the Anti Gang Crimes Act, police must submit cases to the Prosecutor General’s Office before a criminal group can be declared a gang. The case is then forwarded to the High Court, where the group is given the opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.
Ishaq said police are reviewing groups that meet the legal criteria in Malé and across the atolls. He added that gang-related crimes have declined since the Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes Act came into effect.
