President ratifies anti-gang law with life imprisonment, heavy fines
The legislation grants expanded powers to law enforcement.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday ratified a new law targeting gang-related and other serious criminal offences.
The legislation, titled the Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes Act, was introduced in Parliament in December 2024 by Ahmed Zameer, the Machchangoalhi Central MP representing the People’s National Congress (PNC), on behalf of the government.
A special ceremony was held at the President’s Office to mark the ratification. The bill was passed by Parliament on 15 May.
Under the law, individuals convicted of murder during gang-related violence may face the death penalty or a prison sentence of 25 years, along with a fine ranging between MVR 3 million and MVR 10 million. Additional provisions of the law include:
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A 20-year prison sentence and a fine between MVR 200,000 and MVR 7 million for violent acts that do not result in death
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A 15-year prison sentence and a fine between MVR 1 million and MVR 3 million for kidnapping
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A 10-year prison sentence and a fine between MVR 500,000 and MVR 750,000 for intimidation
The Act defines “organised criminal groups” as groups of three or more individuals acting in concert to commit one or more serious crimes or to gain financial or material benefit through criminal activity. Participation in or facilitation of such groups is classified as a criminal offence, punishable by 25 years in prison and a fine between MVR 3 million and MVR 10 million.
The law also addresses liability concerning the premises used by such groups. Owners, tenants, or individuals responsible for such premises who knowingly permit or facilitate gang-related activities face up to five years in prison and a fine between MVR 300,000 and MVR 1 million.
The legislation grants expanded powers to law enforcement. In specified cases, the police may:
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Detain individuals suspected of serious crimes for up to 48 hours without legal consultation
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Deny bail for those accused of serious crimes
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Arrest individuals without a court order if there are reasonable grounds to believe a serious offence has been committed
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Enter and search private premises without a warrant, arrest suspects, and remain on-site for a reasonable duration
