The new Commissioner of Police, Ismail Naveen has vowed to prevent police from abusing the sweeping powers granted to law enforcement authorities under the new landmark law to combat organised crime and gang related violence.
The new law ratified last month defines offences and penalties related to gang activity and serious organised crimes in the Maldives. It enhances law enforcement powers, introduces measures to protect children from gang involvement, and establishes systems to monitor and manage high-risk individuals. The Act also lays out a broader framework for prevention and enforcement measures.
While previous legislation targeting gang activity, intimidation, and the possession of dangerous weapons has been in place since 2010, it has not produced effective results. The new law addresses these gaps and provides the stronger response the public has long called for.
In his first media interview with PSM News after his appointment as the country’s new police chief, Naveen moved to quickly allay public concerns over the potential for the police to abuse the powers granted under the new law.
"Of the concerns raised by the public when we start implementing them, you will see our integrity and the thresholds we have. I believe that as long as I am in this position, I will not allow any kind of abuse of power by Maldives Police Service," he said.
Police are currently developing procedures and manuals to enforce the law, he said, adding that efforts are also underway to strengthen the capacity of MPS.
The Police Commissioner admitted that there is more work to be done to ensure full implementation of the law.
"We are using intelligence and other information to prepare for the task ahead. When the gang law comes into effect, we will know the exact size of the task and challenges we will face. Then we will know how to compensate and plug any gaps,” he explained.
The Commissioner of Police said he hoped the new law would curb gang violence in the country, warning that the new law would be a force to be reckoned with in preventing gang related crimes.
The Government has taken significant steps over the past 18 months to tackle gang-related crime. A dedicated Gang Crime Enforcement Unit was established within the Maldives Police Service on July 1, 2024. Since then, 31,511 individuals have been questioned in gang hotspots, 180 arrests have been made, and charges filed against 83 suspects. Notably, no lives have been lost to gang violence during this period.
The new law will fully come into effect in three months.