Robbers and looters acquired more than 800m in the last 5 years- Police

Maldives Police Service has revealed that robbers and looters have acquired a total of more than 800 million Maldivian Ruffiya from their robberies and lootings in the past 5 years.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Rishwan revealed the information yesterday during the press briefing of the high level National Crime Prevention Committee convened by President Mohamed Nasheed to oversee prevention of assault using lethal weapons, battery, murder, gang related violence and other organised crime at the national level.

Rishwan said that the reports of the Police conclude that so far more than 17 million Ruffiya have been obtained by the robbers and looters in this year.

Chairperson of the Committee and National Security Advisor Amin Faisal, in his opening remarks of the meeting, said that the government will not stay silent but will expedite implementing immediate measures to find an urgent solution to the matter of the escalating crime rate.

Ameen Faisal underlined the need for expeditious measures to make the society safer and free from crime. He also highlighted the importance of a concerted effort from the whole country and the public to abate serious and violent crimes.

Deputy of the Attorney General said that a “Sun Set Law” is deliberated and drafted for effective prosecution. He said that it is hoped that it will be passed in the Peoples Majlis on April 28.

Ameen Faisal said that after the implementation of this law, Maldives Police Service, Customs, and Immigration will work collectively under special operations to bring a comprehensive solution to the pervasive problem of criminal offences and as a first step to curtail criminal violence. He said that these operations will be free from any undue political influence.

Discussions at the first meeting of the committee were focused on the increase in incidence of drug abuse and drug related crimes, rape and other heinous crimes against women, gang violence and major criminal activities.

The Committee underscored the importance of all independent bodies and state institutions working together collectively to take urgent measures to end major criminal and unlawful activities prevalent in the country now.