The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has kick-started a public awareness campaign ahead of the new Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act set to come into force next week.
MPS said the programme was launched on Wednesday jointly by the Male’ City Police and the Crime Prevention Unit, adding that it had already visited 138 shops to raise awareness on information on the new law such as classification of offences, possession of sharp objects or dangerous weapons and prohibition of sale of knives to minors.
Information was also shared on the penalties prescribed by law if convicted of such an offence along with safety and security measures that can be taken to protect businesses and staff, it added.
According to MPS, its teams will prioritise shops, garages and real estate offices in Male’, Hulhumale’ and Villimale’ during the programme.
The new statute formally defines offences related to gang activity and organised crime, introducing strict penalties while significantly broadening law enforcement authority. It establishes monitoring mechanisms for high-risk individuals and includes provisions to prevent the recruitment of minors into criminal organisations. Structuring its approach around prevention and enforcement, the law aims to dismantle entrenched networks and disrupt their operations.
Under its provisions, law enforcement agencies are tasked with identifying gangs and individuals affiliated with them, a step intended to weaken criminal networks and limit their ability to operate. The legislation also authorises the seizure of illicit assets linked to organised crime, criminalising financial support for such groups.
Law enforcement agencies have been granted expanded powers to conduct controlled deliveries and covert operations aimed at dismantling organised crime syndicates. The law explicitly criminalises recruitment into organised crime, with stiff penalties for those responsible.