President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified critical amendments to three major laws, aiming to tackle the growing challenges of cybercrimes in the Maldives. These legal updates are set to provide a robust framework for addressing offenses involving digital technologies and online platforms.
The amendments, approved by Parliament on December 9, include revisions to the Criminal Procedure Act, the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, and the Penal Code. Collectively, these changes aim to curb the surge in cybercrimes and safeguard individuals, businesses, and institutions across the nation.
Recognizing Cybercrime Under the Law
The amendments to the Penal Code officially define cybercrime as a distinct category within the legal system. This update provides clarity and introduces specific criminal offenses linked to technology misuse, including:
- Unauthorized access to computer systems
- Accessing computer systems to commit crimes
- Intercepting unauthorized data
- Tampering with computer systems
- Misuse of computer devices
- Online threats or cyber violence
- Digital forgeries
- Computer-related fraud
- Violations of copyright and intellectual property rights
These updates aim to ensure that the legal system can address modern-day crimes effectively.
Enhancing the Criminal Procedure Act
The amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act introduces improved processes for handling cybercrime investigations and trials. Key changes include:
- Bail Guidelines: New protocols outline the conditions for granting bail during investigations and trials, along with procedures for post-conviction appeals.
- Digital Evidence Collection: Law enforcement agencies can now intercept personal data and access stored communication records with court approval.
- Asset Freezing: Authorities can freeze financial assets and halt transactions tied to scams to prevent further misuse.
This amendment strengthens the ability of law enforcement to respond to cybercrime while protecting public safety and financial security.
Strengthening International Cooperation
The amendment to the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act focuses on building stronger global partnerships for combating cybercrime. It introduces measures to enhance collaboration with other countries in gathering and preserving digital evidence.
Key features include:
- Improved mechanisms for retrieving electronic evidence and real-time data.
- Access to traffic and content data stored in digital systems.
- Establishment of a 24/7 network for sharing crime-related information with international partners.
These steps aim to streamline cross-border investigations and ensure that cybercrimes with international elements can be effectively addressed.
The combined amendments create a solid foundation for addressing the complexities of cybercrime in today’s digital era. By equipping law enforcement with modern tools and fostering international cooperation, these laws aim to ensure justice and protect citizens against technology-driven threats.
The newly ratified amendments have been published in the Government Gazette and are now in effect. These legal changes mark a significant step toward securing the Maldives’ digital future.
