The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has submitted a motion to the High Court requesting a judicial declaration that the group known as Scoop in Addu City meets the criteria of an “organised criminal group” under the Prevention of Gangs and Other Serious Offences Act.

Following a review of the motion and supporting evidence, the PGO stated that the group, also referred to as Scoop Kanmathi or SKP, fulfils the requirements set out in Article 63 of the Act.

As part of the request, the PGO has asked the court to order the dissolution of SKP Sports Club, believed to be associated with the group, and for the Addu City Council to remove the names Scoop, Scoop Kanmathi, and SKP from public spaces. 

This marks the first motion filed with the court under the Act since its enactment. A previous application submitted by the Maldives Police Service was returned for further investigation, as it did not meet the evidentiary threshold at the time.

The PGO noted that once the High Court delivers its decision, the office will coordinate with the Maldives Police Service to take any further steps required under the law.

The Act defines an “organised criminal group” as three or more individuals acting together to commit serious offences or to obtain financial or material gain through unlawful means. Authorities emphasise that action is taken only against groups deemed “active” after the law came into force.

The Maldives Police Service, together with relevant state agencies, continues to work closely with the PGO to strengthen preventive measures and ensure that responses to organised crime remain consistent with the law.