Anti-gang bill: Life imprisonment, heavy fines
The bill incorporates stricter measures for addressing organised crime.
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Government on Thursday introduced a bill in parliament that proposes stringent penalties, including life imprisonment and fines of up to MVR 100 million, for murder and gang-related offences.
The Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes Bill was presented by Machangoalhi South MP Musthafa Hussein on behalf of the government.
If enacted, the bill will repeal the existing Gang Crimes Prohibition Act and the Prohibition of Intimidation, Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects Act, incorporating stricter measures for addressing organised crime.
The bill outlines six categories of organised serious crimes:
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Drug trafficking
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Human trafficking
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Trafficking in prohibited goods
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Counterfeiting currency
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Dangerous crimes such as murder, assault, kidnapping, and intimidation
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Violent crimes punishable by more than 10 years in prison
The death penalty remains an option for murder cases, with an alternative of 25 years’ imprisonment where applicable.
The bill prescribes the following penalties for gang-related activities:
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Murder resulting from fights: 25 years’ imprisonment and fines ranging from MVR 200,000 to MVR 10 million.
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Fights without fatalities: 20 years’ imprisonment and fines between MVR 100,000 and MVR 7 million.
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Kidnapping: 15 years’ imprisonment and fines of MVR 75,000 to MVR 3 million.
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Intimidation: 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of MVR 50,000 to MVR 500,000.
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Organised criminal group operation: 25 years’ imprisonment and fines of MVR 200,000 to MVR 10 million.
The bill also criminalises recruitment for criminal groups, involving minors in such groups, and aiding or abetting these groups, with penalties ranging from 8 to 25 years’ imprisonment and fines of up to MVR 10 million.
The proposed legislation grants the police additional powers, including:
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Detaining suspects for 48 hours without access to legal counsel.
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Denying bail for serious crimes.
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Arresting suspects without a court order under reasonable suspicion.
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Entering private premises without a court order to arrest suspects.
If offences are committed by a legal entity or its management, the bill imposes penalties ranging from MVR 1 million to MVR 100 million, with provisions for dissolving the entity if necessary.
The bill includes provisions to address unjust enrichment by individuals associated with gangs. Offenders face fines between MVR 500,000 and MVR 1 million for acquiring assets disproportionate to their income or failing to prove the legality of their acquisitions.
