50 arrests in gang-related crimes, 65 prosecutions

The Ministry of Homeland Security on Sunday revealed a total of 50 arrests were made in gang-related crimes, with 65 more prosecutions in the last year.

In a video released by the ministry, the Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusan had shared the efforts led by the current administration in the last 52 weeks in stopping gang-related crimes.

The incumbent government introduced a special division tackling gang-related crimes, mapped out areas in Greater Male’ region as hotbeds for gangs, and launched 24-hour patrolling of these locations.

The minister further revealed that law enforcement authorities have begun towing vehicles violating speed and traffic regulations while identifying gang members involved in such activities.

While noting there has been no prosecutions although it has been14 years since an Anti-Gang Act was enacted, the minister highlighted the government is currently working on introducing a new bill to stop gang-related crimes.

The minister also said the efforts by the current government is significantly more than the crackdown on gang crimes carried out in January 2023 to November 16, 2023.

Actions taken from January 2023 to November 16, 2023:

• Arrests: 44
• Currently incarcerated: 10
• Prosecutions: 35
• Stopped for questioning: 5,407
• Minors stopped for questioning: 347
• Patrolled or checked areas: 17,314
• Inspected vehicles: 42
• Vehicles checked: 41

Actions taken during the 52 weeks of current government:

• Arrests: 105
• Currently incarcerated: 50
• Prosecutions: 65
• Stopped for questioning: 20,597
• Minors stopped for questioning: 2,315
• Patrolled or checked areas: 106,174
• Vehicles inspected: 3,043
• Vehicles checked: 2,658

The minister earlier affirmed the government will put a stop on the activities of all major gangs in Male’ region, for which he gave a 100 percent guarantee. He further added incumbent president has the capability of achieving this objective as well.

Presently, several minors between the age of 12 to 13 have been taking up crimes, but lowest age of criminal culpability under the current law is 15 years of age.

Ihusan earlier confirmed of ongoing efforts to lower the criminal age of culpability through legal reform.

Previously, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced a bill seeking to stop gang-related crimes will be submitted to the parliament soon.