The Police will consider how to proceed with the criminal investigation into the Bank of Maldives (BML) after reviewing documents and other evidence collected so far regarding the decision—which President Mohamed Muizzu had described as a ‘financial coup orchestration with the involvement of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’— to further restrict credit limits on cards issued by the bank.

Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau, speaking with local news outlet ‘Adhadhu’, said that all the documents required across various agencies had now been obtained with the decision on going forward with a criminal investigation, once assessments were made, now pending.

“Whether it is a reasonable allegation or not will be determined by gathering information. We have obtained the necessary documents from the relevant agencies. After studying it, we are trying to decide on it. The findings will determine whether a criminal investigation can be conducted,” he said.

If enough information has been gathered to conduct a criminal investigation into the case, it will be sent to the Prosecutor General; however, if there is not enough evidence, the case will be shelved, he said.

The Police announced on the night of 26 August that they were investigating the matter and looking into BML and the MDP for allegedly attempting to bring about the overthrow of the Mohamed Muizzu administration on 25 August via a financial coup. The announcement coincided with a speech, referring to the incident, made by Muizzu at a People’s National Congress (PNC) rally.

The MDP has not been questioned over the alleged financial coup, nor have any arrests been made.

When the police investigation was announced, public reaction was largely that of bemusement.