Police investigate alleged coup attempt via card limit changes

Police have commenced an investigation into Monday's decision by Bank of Maldives to halt foreign transactions on cards linked to MVR accounts, alleging that there is involvement of some politicians in this act, who had the intention of overthrowing the government.

In a press statement released last night, Police said there are allegations that a number of politicians had held a press conference concerning the government's financial situation at a time which coincides with "the bank, majority shares of which are held by the government, making a decision against government advice that was an immense shock to the public".

Police said that at this same time, bot accounts on social media had attempted to instigate an uprising, calling to take to the streets in protest, civil disobedience and to overthrow the government.

"As there is reason to believe this was an attempt to illegally overthrow a lawful administration, Maldives Police Service have commenced investigations into the matter," the statement reads.

The government, too, announced in a press conference earlier that BML's decision had been made against discussions and advice provided through their meetings.

Senior members of ruling People's National Congress and the government have also alleged that opposition Maldivian Democratic Party attempted to take advantage of the public discontent following the bank's announcement and orchestrate a coup.

Bank of Maldives on Sunday announced that foreign transactions would not be allowed via cash cards linked to MVR accounts, effectively cutting off transactions for students and others abroad as well. They later reversed the decision following the government requesting the bank to revoke the decision.

In a statement released after the decision was reversed, the bank said it had done so on the advice of the central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority.