The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan has revealed a significant reduction in organised criminal activity, confirming that gang crimes have decreased by 23 percent compared to the previous year.
The Minister disclosed the data during an interview with PSM News, marking the second anniversary of the incumbent administration.
Minister Ihusan attributed the unprecedented drop to the administration’s focused strategy, noting that preventing gang violence was one of the three major social issues—alongside the drug epidemic and illegal immigration—prioritised by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu upon taking office in November 2023.
Central to this success was the amendment of the previous legislation, which the Minister noted had complicated comprehensive solutions to the problem.
The new Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes Act, which introduces reforms making it easier to combat organised crime, was ratified by the President in May and officially came into force on 25 August.
Following the legislative overhaul, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology established a special investigation unit within the Maldives Police Service (MPS) dedicated solely to curbing gang activities.
The Minister highlighted the profound impact of the new law, which allows courts to identify and formally declare organised criminal groups as "gangs." Once this declaration is made, all members of that group become subject to the heavy penalties outlined in the Act. Since its enforcement in August, three arrests have already been made under the new provisions.
Looking forward, Minister Ihusan expressed confidence in the sustained effort.
"Hopefully we will solve the gang problem to the level of public expectation within the next three years," he said, stressing that the government's current efforts against these groups are both "unprecedented and bold."