The Parliament is currently deliberating on proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act aimed at granting the Maldives Police Service the authority to temporarily seize funds in bank accounts without a court order, in a bid to combat the rising issue of scams. However, several parliamentarians have expressed concerns that these measures may not be sufficient to address the increasing number of scam cases in the country and have called for additional amendments to the Banking Act.
The proposed amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, introduced by Parliamentarian representing North Galolhu constituency, Mohamed Ibrahim (MDP), seeks to empower law enforcement with the ability to freeze bank accounts suspected of being involved in scams, even before a court order is obtained. While this proposal has garnered some support for its potential to expedite investigations, there are growing concerns about the broader implications of such powers.
During the debate, several parliamentarians argued that a more comprehensive approach is needed to tackle the issue of scams effectively. They pointed out that in other countries, the banking sector plays a pivotal role in monitoring and preventing fraudulent activities. These parliamentarians suggested that merely amending the Criminal Procedure Act would not address the root causes of scams and instead advocated for amendments to the Banking Act to enhance the financial sector’s ability to prevent and detect fraudulent transactions.
One of the key concerns raised during the debate was the potential for abuse of the proposed powers to seize funds without a court order. Critics argue that this could lead to violations of due process and the rights of individuals, as the measure would allow for the freezing of bank accounts based solely on suspicion, without immediate judicial oversight. This has sparked a debate on the balance between empowering law enforcement and protecting individual rights.
Moreover, some parliamentarians cautioned that focusing solely on law enforcement measures might overlook the importance of strengthening the regulatory framework within the banking sector. They highlighted the need for banks to be more proactive in monitoring suspicious transactions and implementing stronger safeguards to prevent scams. The idea is that a robust and well-regulated banking system, coupled with effective law enforcement, would be a more sustainable solution to the growing scam threat.
There is also concern that the proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act might lead to unintended consequences, such as discouraging foreign investment or causing undue hardship to individuals whose accounts might be wrongly targeted. Critics argue that without adequate checks and balances, the amendment could create a climate of uncertainty in the financial sector, potentially undermining confidence in the banking system.
While the debate on the proposed amendments continues, it is clear that a broader conversation on the need for comprehensive reforms, including potential changes to the Banking Act, is emerging. Parliamentarians are urging a cautious approach, stressing the importance of ensuring that any new measures are balanced, effective, and protect both the public and the integrity of the financial system.
