By: Isuru Parakrama
October 07, Colombo (LNW): The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is preparing to file indictments against two former ministers from the previous administration for their inability to account for the acquisition of substantial assets, sources disclosed.
This development forms part of a broader investigation into allegations of corruption among high-ranking officials and political figures.
According to reports, the Commission’s investigation extends beyond the former ministers to include individuals within their inner circles.
Notably, a former minister’s personal driver is under scrutiny after reportedly purchasing a luxury house and land in Cinnamon Gardens, a prime and highly coveted area.
The Bribery Commission is closely examining the legitimacy of such an acquisition, as the financial means of the driver seem inconsistent with the value of the property.
In addition to these investigations, the Commission is set to launch legal proceedings to freeze assets belonging to seven individuals.
This group includes politicians, public officials, and military officers, all of whom are suspected of amassing significant properties under suspicious circumstances.
The inquiry has focused on whether these assets could have been obtained through legitimate earnings, and initial findings suggest that the individuals in question could not have accumulated such wealth based on their standard salaries.
Investigators have discovered that explanations provided by some of the accused — often claiming that properties were gifted by family members or relatives — have proven to be unfounded.
These claims have raised further suspicion regarding the origins of the assets. Moreover, the investigation has been hindered by the reluctance of several politicians to fully cooperate with authorities, with some reportedly avoiding providing official statements to assist in the ongoing probes.
The Bribery Commission’s efforts to tackle corruption are expected to escalate as it moves towards freezing the properties in question.
The measure to crackdown aims to prevent the dissipation of assets whilst investigations continue, ensuring that any ill-gotten gains remain within reach of law enforcement agencies.
