Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched a criminal investigation following allegations of criminal misconduct surrounding the initial spreading of Covid-19 in the Maldives.

MPS stated that an investigation has been launched into allegations of criminal misconduct regarding the Italian tourist who vacationed in Kuredu Island Resort after arriving in the Maldives on 23rd February 2020 and had informed authorities after testing positive to the disease once they returned home.

As such, authorities discovered that the man had shown Covid-19 like symptoms and had come into contact with multiple parties prior to departure. Therefore, an investigation has been launched into negligence and failure to report to the relevant authorities on 10th March, said MPS.

The Italian is reported to have been in the capital city for two days after being asked to evacuate the flight over Covid-19 like symptoms, however, this was not reported to authorities. He had gone to Universal's ticketing office as well, thus, facilitating the spread of the disease.

Samples of the individual tested from the ticketing office came back negative, while 15 people from Maagiri Hotel where the guest stayed is in self-isolation; the hotel has since closed operations for disinfection.

Police began investigations following orders from the Prosecutor General (PG) Hussain Shameem issued on Monday. Shameem issued the order to the police under responsibilities and powers granted to the prosecutor general under Article 223 (e) of the Maldives Constitution.

As of Wednesday, the number of confirmed cases in the Maldives has risen to eight, all foreigners. Four of the cases are from Kuredu Island Resort, two are from Sandies Bathala resort and two are from Kuramathi Island Resort.

All three resorts are under lockdown.