Gang Crimes Act comes into force with new penalties, expanded police powers

The Prevention of Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes Act came into effect on Monday, introducing new measures against organised crime and repealing the Prohibition of Intimidation and Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects Act.

The law, passed in May and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu on 25 May, criminalises the formation and operation of organised criminal groups. Convictions for such offences cannot be pardoned, commuted, or subject to plea agreements.

The Act lists five serious crimes committed by organised groups:

These carry penalties including life imprisonment and fines of up to MVR 10 million. In cases where death results from fighting, the penalty can extend to the death sentence or 25 years in prison, in addition to fines between MVR 3 million and MVR 10 million.

If no death occurs, participants can face up to 20 years in prison and fines between MVR 200,000 and MVR 7 million. Kidnapping carries 15 years in prison and fines between MVR 1 million and MVR 3 million, while intimidation carries 10 years and fines between MVR 500,000 and MVR 750,000. Facilitating gangs can result in five years’ imprisonment and fines of MVR 300,000 to MVR 1 million.

The Act allows:

It also criminalises the sale of knives to minors, as well as attempting, aiding, or abetting intimidation. Property owners can be held liable if their premises are used by gangs.

Authorities say the law addresses challenges in evidence gathering and witness protection by allowing intimidation cases to proceed based on the perception of threat, not only direct actions.

The government has said the law strengthens measures to curb organised crime and closes gaps left by previous legislation.