Court Denies Bail in Passport Fraud Case Tied to Underworld Figure

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Thanuja Lakmali, ordered the remand of three suspects, including an Assistant Controller of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, until June 5.

The suspects were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the alleged creation of a forged passport for an organized crime figure known as 'Kehilibaddara Padme', who is reportedly hiding in Dubai.

The suspects are accused of facilitating the issuance of a passport without the physical presence of the applicant.

Investigators revealed that two photographers among the suspects had developed software to digitally supply photographs to the Department of Immigration and Emigration, bypassing standard procedures.

The court was informed that the suspects were involved in producing the passport for 'Kehilibaddara Padme' despite his absence.

The CID also reported that seven suspects have been identified in connection with the case, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining individuals.

Computers and mobile phones seized from the suspects have been sent to the Government Analyst for forensic examination.

President’s Counsel Sarath Jayamanna, appearing on behalf of suspect Arun Sampath Rupasinghe, the Assistant Controller, told the court that his client had previously been targeted by a group associated with 'Kehilibaddara Padme', who attempted to harm him while in prison.

A jailer had reportedly intervened to save his life.

Considering the sensitive and complex nature of the investigation, the Magistrate denied bail and ordered the suspects to be held in remand custody.

The CID was instructed to complete the investigation within a week and submit a detailed report to the court.