Eight gangs ‘highly active’ in Male’ region; most members minors

There are currently eight criminal gangs active in the Maldivian capital, with most of the members aged 12-13 years, according to the police.

In an appearance on Public Service Media (PSM)’s ‘Raajje Miadhu’ show on Monday night, Superintendent of Police Arif said the police has registered a rise in organized crime starting from 2000.

He said that in the years since, there have been a lot of groups listed as gangs, with periodical increases.

Arif said that some of the previous gangs were no longer that active.

The police said there are currently eight criminal gangs that are “highly active” in Male’ and Hulhumale’.

“There are eight gangs that we have to keep a constant watch on by patrolling the areas where they are based and monitoring them, in case of a potential crime or gang fight. We have to keep a watch on them on a daily basis. We have to monitor their actions,” said Arif.

Arif said that there are also gangs active in populous islands outside the capital, including those run by members of gangs based in Male’.

“We have registered around six gangs in Addu alone,” he said.

Arif said the membership numbers is different among various gangs. He said the police have identified some 25-150 members of active gangs.

He added that some of the larger gangs have over 50 members who are under the age of 18.

Arif said that combatting gang crimes is a key focus area for the police.

Earlier this month, the police created gang crime enforcement unit – a dedicated unit to fight gang crime – as part of a new strategic action plan for the next for years.

Last month, Home Minister Ali Ihusan said that plan identifies 10 key priority areas for crime-focused policing.

He said that the biggest priority is to root out organized crime.

“Our goal isn’t reduced the 10 gangs operating in Maldives to three by the end of five years. Our goal is to erase all 10 gangs,” he said.

Ihusan said the administration will maintain a policy of “zero tolerance” and “non-acceptance.”

He also said the authorities have identified some 400 juveniles across the country with links to criminal gangs, who require immediate intervention.