Crypto, Bank Records and Missing Millions Under Investigation

COLOMBO (News 1st): Five suspects, including the son of former State Minister Shanta Bandara, who were arrested in connection with the alleged robbery of Rs. 20 million from a Chinese national, were today released on bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena.

The Magistrate ordered their release after imposing two personal bails of Rs. 20 million each on every suspect.

The suspects have also been subjected to a foreign travel ban.

Investigating officers informed court today that further inquiries are being carried out into the suspects' telephone records, bank transactions and cryptocurrency accounts to determine whether they had engaged in similar transactions in the past.

Investigators also informed court that efforts are underway to locate another suspect connected to the incident, as well as the vehicle allegedly used in carrying out the robbery.

Officers of the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau arrested the suspects in connection with the alleged theft of Rs. 20 million belonging to a Chinese national.

Following their arrest, the suspects were detained for 24 hours and questioned before being remanded until today.

The suspects accused in connection with the incident are Anuda Janadith Samarakoon Bandara, a son of former State Minister Shanta Bandara, Ajith Priyantha, Dushan Shyamal, Pramil Kusal Gunadasa and a Chinese national identified as Wan Quin.

Meanwhile, investigations have revealed that the Chinese national who claimed ownership of the Rs. 20 million has since left the country.

The revelation emerged during investigations being conducted by the Colombo Central Crimes Division into the incident.

Police stated that steps had also been taken to launch a separate investigation into how the Chinese national obtained the money in question.