67 arrested for gang-related crimes; 30 released

The police searched over 87,000 properties and arrested 67 suspects in connection to gang-related crimes over the last eight months, according to statistics released by the police on Sunday.

According to the statistics, the Gang Crime Enforcement Unit made 67 arrests in connection to gang-related crimes between January 1 and August 31. 37 suspects remain detained – 15 of them in remand jails and 22 in police custody. Meanwhile, 30 of the suspects were released.

The police also questioned 12,253 individuals in connection to gang-related crimes during the eight-month period. This includes 2,583 adults and 331 different minors, who were stopped and questioned 2,014 times.

The police also searched 87,775 properties and 173 vehicles, and removed 37 graffities and chairs and tables from two hangout spots.

The Gang Crime Enforcement Unit completed investigations and forwarded eight cases to the Prosecutor General’s Office for criminal charges.

The Gang Crime Enforcement Unit, a dedicated unit to fight gang crime, was established under a new police strategic action plan which took effect on July 1.

Home Minister Ali Ihusan said that the biggest focus of the new strategic action plan 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 told reporters in June.

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

In August, the government drafted legislature seeking to impose heavier penalties for gang-related crimes.