The High Court has ruled that hearings in a landmark case seeking to officially designate Addu’s “Scoop” group as a gang will be conducted behind closed doors.
The case was filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office, which is asking the court to classify the group and its affiliated networks as a criminal gang under the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act. The State is also seeking to suspend related sports activities and formally label certain individuals as gang members.
Judges Decide on Private Proceedings
A preliminary hearing was held to determine how the case should move forward. During that session, the panel of judges decided that all future hearings would take place in private.
The case is being heard by a three-judge bench comprising Mohamed Shaneez Abdulla, Abdul Maaniu Hussain, and Ibrahim Mahir.
Lawyers representing the “Scoop” group raised a procedural concern during the preliminary hearing. They questioned whether the matter should instead be heard in open court. According to the defence, making the proceedings public could potentially affect any future criminal trials involving individuals linked to the group, especially if a formal gang designation is made. In their view, public hearings at this stage might influence how lower courts handle related cases later on.
After considering these arguments, the High Court opted for closed proceedings.
State Seeks Official Gang Classification
At the heart of the case is the State’s claim that “Scoop” has engaged in organized criminal activities that meet the legal definition of a gang under Maldivian law.
The Prosecutor General’s Office is asking the High Court to formally declare “Scoop,” “Scoop Kanmathi,” and “SKP” as a single gang entity, as outlined in the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act.
In addition to labeling the group itself as a gang, prosecutors are also requesting that nine individuals identified as affiliates be legally recognized as gang members.
Such a classification carries serious legal consequences. Once a group is designated as a gang under the Act, membership and related activities can trigger enhanced penalties in criminal proceedings.
Sports Club and Graffiti Also Targeted
The case goes beyond individual and group classification. The State has also requested that the court order the dissolution of SKP Sports Club, which authorities believe is affiliated with the group.
Furthermore, prosecutors have asked the court to direct the Addu City Council to remove graffiti bearing the names “Scoop,” “Scoop Kanmathi,” and “SKP” from public spaces across the city.
This broader approach suggests that authorities are not only targeting alleged criminal conduct but also seeking to curb the group’s public presence and influence within the community.
A First for the Courts
While police have previously submitted a similar request to the Prosecutor General’s Office, this marks the first time such a case has been brought before a court under the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act to formally declare a group as a gang.
That alone makes the case significant. The High Court’s decision could set an important precedent for how gang-related cases are handled in the Maldives in the future.
With hearings now set to proceed in private, the outcome will be closely watched. How the court interprets and applies the law may shape the country’s approach to organized crime for years to come.
