By: Isuru Parakrama
October 03, Colombo (LNW): Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage has directed the Bribery or Corruption Investigation Commission (CIABOC) to arrest individuals implicated in the smuggling of 200 luxury vehicles into Sri Lanka, an operation that has defrauded the government of an estimated Rs. 5000 million in unpaid taxes.
This high-profile case has spotlighted an extensive customs fraud scheme, with vehicles illegally brought into the country and registered under falsified information.
The order was issued after the Commission’s Intelligence Investigation Unit presented detailed findings, revealing that only 20 of the smuggled vehicles have so far been recovered.
Amongst the vehicles recently confiscated was a Mitsubishi jeep valued at over Rs. 60 million, marking the 20th such vehicle to be reclaimed by authorities.
Despite a previous court order on September 18 instructing the handover of the jeep, the vehicle owner had reportedly concealed it, prompting intelligence officers to launch a targeted search and seize the asset after a warrant was issued.
The Commission disclosed that this smuggling operation involved falsely declaring luxury vehicles imported after 2015 as regular vehicles brought in prior to 2005.
This fraudulent manipulation was achieved by altering data within the Motor Traffic Department’s system, enabling the smugglers to bypass proper customs duties.
The investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on tracking down and recovering the remaining vehicles, and arresting those responsible for the large-scale fraud.
The court has now ordered swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and secure the stolen assets, aiming to restore the significant financial losses incurred by the state.
The next phase of the investigation will involve identifying all parties connected to the smuggling ring and ensuring accountability for the massive financial damages caused to the Sri Lankan government.
