Maldives Police Service (MPS) has arrested 19 expatriates in relation to the unrest at Bodufinolhu, Baa Atoll.
MPS revealed the expatriates, all of whom were Bangladeshi nationals, were brought into custody after communicating with them with the help of officials from the High Commission of Bangladesh in the Maldives. MPS said no unrest has occurred since the Public Order Response team and the investigation team arrived in the island.
The expatriates were employees of a contractor developing a resort in Bodufinolhu. On July 2, MPS received reports that 15 Maldivians working in the island were held in a hostage situation by the expatriate workers over non-payment of salaries for several months. A team of officers from the police station at the nearby island of Thulhaadhoo were attacked with sticks and stones as they tried to enter the island following reports of the incident.
MPS revealed some officers had been injured during the confrontations, including one officer who suffered serious head injuries and another officer who broke a finger. MPS stated the officers are undergoing treatment at the Baa Atoll Health Centre.
Furthermore, MPS stated information is being gathered on the property damages incurred during the unrest. The case is being investigated jointly by the Serious and Organised Crime Department and the Human Trafficking Department of MPS.