High Court cancels hearing on PGO motion to declare Addu’s Scoope group a gang

The High Court has cancelled the hearing on the Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office)’s motion to declare the Addu‑based Scoope Group, also known locally as Scoope Kanmathi, a gang under the Gang Prevention Act. The hearing had been scheduled to begin on Sunday, but the court later called it off without giving a reason.

The Scoope Group became the first organisation to be submitted to the High Court for gang designation under the new law, which came into force last year. The PG Office filed the case in mid‑January, describing it as a landmark test of the legislation and asserting that Scoope is one of the most organised and persistent criminal groups operating in Addu.

According to the PG Office, the motion was filed after reviewing extensive evidence submitted by police, including records of violent assaults, intimidation, extortion and coordinated criminal activity. The office maintains that the group meets all statutory criteria for gang designation and continues to engage in organised crime. The PG Office is also seeking to have nine individuals formally declared members of the gang.

In addition, the PG Office has asked the Sports Commissioner to dissolve SKP Sports Club, which authorities say functions as a front linked to the group.

This is the second group police have attempted to designate as a gang under the new law. The first motion was withdrawn by the PG Office after police failed to complete the investigation required to meet the legal threshold, making the Scoope case the first to reach the High Court.

The cancellation of Sunday’s hearing comes amid political sensitivity surrounding the issue. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu previously stated that no group currently meets the criteria to be declared a gang, despite the new law being passed to curb organised crime. He has also said the government aims to replicate Sri Lanka’s success in eliminating youth gang activity through strict policy measures.

Under the Gang Prevention Act, police must first submit evidence to the PG Office, which then determines whether the case meets the legal requirements before filing it with the High Court. The accused group is given an opportunity to respond before a final ruling is issued.

The PG Office said it will continue working with the Maldives Police Service to pursue further action against the Scoope Group and its members once the court rules on the matter.