A businessman from Kotikawatta, who defrauded over Rs.1.7 million from the relatives of three Easter Sunday attack suspects to get them released from the police custody, was arrested by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) today.

Police said the suspect, 48-year-old Mohammed Usuf Mohammed Smith, is a vehicle spare parts businessman. He had defrauded Rs. 1,715,000 from the relatives of the three suspects.

According to the police, the suspect had claimed that the three individuals who are in remanded custody, could be released after offering money to the officials.

They said a complaint had been lodged in this regard with the Senior DIG in-charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The suspect was arrested following the investigation carried out by the TID. (DSB)