The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has identified eight gangs operating in the Greater Male' Region and has launched targeted initiatives to combat their activities.
In an interview with PSM News, Superintendent of Police Arif announced the establishment of a specialised department dedicated to addressing gang crimes, effective from July 1. He underscored that this initiative is a key component of MPS's five-year strategic plan, which has been shaped by nationwide public opinion polls aimed at identifying effective measures to mitigate the gang threat.
Arif outlined that a newly formed wing has been created within MPS to handle gang-related issues, integrating both operational and investigative teams under one centralised unit. He defined gangs as groups of individuals that gather in public areas to perpetrate a range of criminal offenses, instilling fear within communities. He emphasised the prevalence of gang activities across various locations and times throughout the country.
Moreover, Arif highlighted ongoing monitoring efforts by MPS over the identified eight gangs in the Greater Male' Region, noting their propensity for engaging in criminal acts and violence. He expressed concern over their recruitment practices, particularly targeting minors and exploiting legal protections meant for young individuals. In response, he mentioned collaborative efforts between MPS and the Ministry of Education, alongside schools, aimed at preventing youth from becoming involved with gangs.
To bolster these efforts, MPS has introduced the Gang Crime Enforcement department alongside the Digital Data and Technology departments. These units are tasked with implementing MPS's strategic action plan over the next four years, enhancing the capabilities to tackle gang-related issues comprehensively.