A police sergeant, attached to the Police Fraud Investigation Bureau, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with a case involving the solicitation of Rs.10 million. The incident occurred in the Colpetty area last week, resulting in the suspect being remanded until May 15 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court.
The arrest was made following an investigation spearheaded by DIG Rohan Premaratne, who heads the CID. The suspect was arrested in the Kurunegala area based on information obtained during the inquiry.
Reports indicate that the arrest follows a complaint received by the Bribery or Corruption Allegations Investigation Commission. Earlier, the Commission had arrested four individuals for impersonating CID officers and attempting to extort a bribe of Rs.10 million.
The suspects, posing as CID officers, visited a residence in Colpetty, informing the occupants of an alleged investigation and seizing Rs.12 million and US$3,500. Additionally, they confiscated the passport of an Indian national residing in the house.
Subsequently, the suspects contacted the complainant via phone, initially demanding a bribe of Rs.40 million to refrain from pursuing legal action and to return the confiscated passport. The demand was later reduced to Rs.35 million, with an initial installment of Rs.10 million requested. Police managed to recover Rs.1.6 million of the seized amount.
The CID, in collaboration with the Bribery Commission, is conducting further investigations into the matter.
