Less than two days after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that gangs had been completely eradicated in the Maldives, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) has arrested two individuals armed with weapons in connection with a planned gang-related assault.

The incident has cast immediate doubt on the president’s claim.

The two suspects were brought before the Criminal Court on Wednesday, where both were ordered to be held in custody for seven days. They were identified as Shamah Moosa Didi, 34, and Hussain Naveen, 19.

According to the court order, both are suspected of forming a group and possessing sharp, dangerous weapons. The police institution told the court the arrests followed intelligence indicating a conflict between two gangs and preparations for a violent confrontation.

When officers stopped and searched Shamah, a cutter blade was found. He claimed it was used for trimming his fingernails and stated that he is currently a drug user. A search of Naveen revealed a cutter under the seat of the motorcycle he was riding.

A police officer testified that Naveen said at the scene the cutter was intended for stabbing someone. Naveen later claimed in court that the motorcycle belonged to his father, that he did not know the cutter was there, and that he is employed with no criminal record.

The arrests surfaced immediately after President Muizzu claimed during a ceremony at the Social Center marking two years of his administration that gangs previously active in the Maldives had abandoned criminal activity and were now pursuing honorable lives.

He further asserted that no group in the country currently meets the criteria of a “gang”.

The stark contrast between the president’s remarks and information provided by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, and police has led to widespread accusations that the government is severely misleading the public about the state of gang activity.

According to the home ministry, 83 gangs remain active nationwide, involving 3,600 individuals. In the congested capital Malé City alone, 45 gangs are active, with 2,500 individuals participating. The ministry also reported that approximately 85 children are active in these gangs.