President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the bill on preventing gang-related crimes and other dangerous offenses to combat serious and organized crime in the Maldives.

The president ratified the bill at a special ceremony held at the President's Office on Sunday.

The legislation establishes relevant offenses and penalties to prevent dangerous and organized serious crimes in the Maldives, and defines the powers granted to law enforcement agencies to prevent such crimes.

The legislation also sets out principles for taking measures to keep children away from such crimes, monitoring and controlling suspects of such crimes, and other related principles.

Some of the important aspects included in the legislation are the determination of gangs and gang-affiliated individuals through the court to dismantle gang power.

It also includes preventing people from funding gangs and investigating cases of those who have acquired illegitimate wealth through gang activities or other serious crimes. The legislation also includes provisions for the state to seize such money and property through the court.

In addition to this, the legislation allows for controlled delivery and covert operations against gang activities and takes special measures to prevent children from joining gangs and participating in serious crimes.

Similarly, the legislation establishes a robust system for monitoring and supervising offenders, including tagging under monitoring orders.

The government submitted the bill to the People's Majlis, and it was passed at the 32nd sitting of the first session of this year's 20th People's Majlis held on 15 May 2025.