The Police Fraud Investigation Bureau has successfully disrupted a criminal network engaged in the illegal assembly and sale of vehicles.
Arrest and Initial Findings
A suspect was apprehended in Matale following an investigation led by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) from the Illegal Assets Investigation Division. The operation was conducted under the directives of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), P. Ampavila.
Police recovered eight illegally assembled vehicles from the suspect’s possession. Six of these vehicles were operational, while two were severely damaged. Investigators also found evidence of tampered chassis and number plates.
Expanded Investigation
Interrogations revealed the existence of another altered vehicle hidden in Piliyandala, with its chassis and engine numbers also manipulated.
Further investigations uncovered a broader criminal network, including a financial institution employee who facilitated loans for buyers of these illegally assembled vehicles.
Financial Impact and Legal Proceedings
The estimated value of the recovered vehicles exceeds Rs. 50 million. The suspect was remanded until January 6 after being presented to the Mahara Magistrate’s Court.
This operation highlights the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to combat organized crime and protect consumers from fraudulent activities.
