The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched an investigation into an alleged attempt to carry out a financial coup through the Bank of Maldives (BML).
In a press release, the MPS stated that the incident came to light when a press conference was held to discuss the government's financial situation just as a major state-owned bank made a deliberate decision. The MPS noted that during this time, non-authentic social media accounts (bots) were used to incite the public to take to the streets in an effort to overthrow the government. It also said that these actions have been seen as an attempt to undermine the country’s interests and could be interpreted as a move to legitimise the overthrow of a legitimate government.
BML has decided to suspend all foreign transactions using its cards. The government, however, indicated that this decision was made despite its advice against it.