Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has stated that crimes committed by gangs have decreased by 23% compared to previous periods. This was revealed in an interview with PSM News marking the government’s two-year anniversary. The Minister noted that tackling gang-related issues is a key priority among the social problems being addressed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He explained that due to inherent difficulties in finding solutions under the previous legislation, the law concerning gang-related crimes was amended as a first step.
The Minister stated that following the legal reforms, a special investigative unit was established within the police force to combat gang crimes. As a result of these efforts over the past two years, gang-related offenses have seen a 23% reduction. The Minister also gave his assurance that the issue of gangs would be resolved to a level acceptable to the public within the next three years.
After assuming office, President Muizzu pledged to resolve three major social issues: drug trafficking, illegal immigrants, and gang-related crimes. In line with this commitment, the President ratified the Prohibition of Organised Crime Act on May 25 of this year. Since the law came into effect on August 25, three individuals have been arrested. Under this legislation, courts can formally designate gangs, and severe penalties can be enforced against their members. The efforts of the current administration in this regard are a courageous undertaking, the likes of which have not been seen before.
