Police Send Gang Case to PG Despite President’s Claim of “No Gangs”

Despite President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stating that there are no gangs that meet the criteria under the Gang Crime Act, police have now identified a group that fits those criteria.

The new Gang Crime Act, introduced to take firm action against crimes carried out by gangs and organised criminal networks, came into force in August this year. Under the law, the Minister of Home Affairs may submit a case to the court to have a specific group declared a gang. According to the procedures set out in the law, the first step in designating a criminal group as a gang is for the police to submit the case to the Prosecutor General.

Speaking at a press conference held by police today, the Head of the Gang Crime Enforcement Department, Superintendent of Police Ishaq Adam, confirmed that police have submitted a criminal group to the Prosecutor General’s Office (PG) for a determination on whether it should be declared a gang.

He stated that police are currently proceeding in accordance with the guidance provided by the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Police made these remarks despite President Muizzu stating, at a rally marking two years of the current government, that all individuals previously involved in gang activities have stopped such activities and that there is not a single gang that meets the criteria under the new law.

“Gang crimes have now stopped. Those individuals, the youth have moved on to businesses and are now living normal lives,” the President said.