Gang crimes decline; 10 gang leaders under investigation, says Ihusaan

Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan says gang-related crimes have decreased compared to last year, with 10 gang leaders currently under investigation.

Responding to a question from a participant at Sunday evening’s Ahaa Forum, Ihusaan highlighted the long-standing issue of gang violence in Maldives. He noted that since 2007, between two and five young people have been killed in gang-related incidents every year.

Ihusaan said the Government’s efforts to curb gang activity include increasing police presence in gang-affected areas and providing opportunities for youths involved in gangs to leave criminal environments. Many have since left gangs and taken up jobs, he said, adding that 53 gang-related operations have been conducted so far.

During these operations, 10,450 individuals were checked, 517 arrests were made, and 670 motorcycles were towed.

“The result is that we don’t see the headlines like back in the day, stabbing here, stabbing there; gang fights; street violence. These stories have become fewer. In the last three years, during our administration, not a single Maldivian has lost their life in gang violence,” Ihusaan said.

He added that 26 locations previously used as safe houses to recruit children into gangs have been shut down, and cases involving 10 gang leaders have been under investigation since last June.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, speaking on 17 November, said that due to the Government’s policies, youths are no longer part of gangs and there is “no one left to take to court to declare as gangs.” The President said he does not want to see gangs committing crimes in society and urged all youths involved in such activities to give up gang life entirely.