February 23, Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigation Department has launched a wide-ranging inquiry into an organised fraud ring accused of swindling members of the public by posing as police officers and banking representatives.
According to a statement issued by the Sri Lanka Police, the investigation is being spearheaded by the CID’s Computer Crime Investigation Division following a series of complaints from victims across the country. Several individuals have already been taken into custody, while detectives continue to track down other suspects believed to be involved in the network.
Initial findings suggest the group used overseas telephone numbers manipulated to resemble local landline contacts, thereby increasing the likelihood that recipients would answer the calls. Targets reportedly included bank customers and professionals whose contact details may have been obtained through illicit online channels.
During the calls, the fraudsters allegedly introduced themselves as officials from well-known financial institutions, falsely claiming that irregularities or legal complaints had been filed against the victim’s bank account. To heighten the sense of urgency, the call would then be transferred to another individual impersonating an officer from a police investigation unit.
In several cases, suspects are said to have conducted WhatsApp video calls while dressed in clothing resembling official police uniforms. Investigators revealed that the group staged convincing backdrops designed to mimic police offices, complete with mock questioning sessions and fabricated documentation, in order to pressure victims into compliance.
Under the guise of “securing” or “verifying” their accounts, victims were instructed to transfer funds to a series of designated bank accounts. Authorities have since discovered that the stolen money was funnelled through multiple intermediary accounts before being converted into cryptocurrency via accounts on Binance.
Those arrested have reportedly admitted to moving funds at the direction of individuals who recruited them online, receiving commissions in return for facilitating the transactions.
Police have urged the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls relating to bank accounts or alleged legal matters. Citizens are advised never to disclose confidential banking information, passwords or one-time verification codes to unknown callers.
The Police Media Division has also appealed to media organisations to amplify the warning, stressing that heightened awareness is essential to preventing further financial losses as investigations continue.