Discussions have been held with officials from the United States Embassy in Colombo to obtain FBI support, as authorities attempt to trace a sophisticated email hacking and phishing operation that compromised government financial systems.
The breach targeted the Department of External Resources (ERD), where unauthorized access to official email channels enabled hackers to intercept and divert funds. The money was intended for a US$22.9 million bilateral debt repayment to Australia.
Authorities have yet to determine the identities of those responsible or the current whereabouts of the stolen funds.
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is working alongside the CID to trace the money trail, while Australian authorities are also assisting with the ongoing investigation.
