CID arrests couple at BIA over multi-billion rupee pyramid scam

8 November 2024 10:13 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 8 Bookmark

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T.K.G. Kapila

BIA, Nov 08 (Daily Mirror) - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested a 52-year-old man, Dhammika Kumara Ranasinghe, who returned from Malaysia this morning, at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), for his involvement in defrauding over Rs. 10 billion through a pyramid scam.

Police said Ranasinghe had fled the country a year ago amid a case before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court, where he was accused of financial fraud.

The CID also arrested his wife, 42-year-old Samudra Surangani, when she arrived at the airport to receive him. Surangani, who was serving as the financial director of her husband's business, had been managing multiple bank accounts linked to the scam.

Investigations revealed that Ranasinghe had operated a business school in Kurunegala, through which he deceived more than 2,500 depositors. The couple allegedly used a network of 11 bank accounts across three major banks to manage the fraudulent transactions.

Both suspects have been handed over to the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) for further questioning.

In addition, the Illegal Assets Division has launched a separate investigation into their assets and financial dealings.

Comments - 8

Ram P Friday, 08 November 2024 01:50 PM

Our people are so gullible that they will always fall for bogus offers to invest money. Sad situation. All Police Stations must be required to keep an eye on Comoanies accepting deposits. Moment they learn they must check all credentials of the business and if the business has obtained the required OK from SBSL, if not to prosecute them. This way before they defraud many they will be under check

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saman Friday, 08 November 2024 02:40 PM

surprised to read why FCID had not questioned the wife who was in SL regarding this pyramid scam. So NPP had to come to power to allow CID/FCID to operate independently without any political interference. Will the readers think, if Ranil or Sajith became president of SL, do you think we would have been able to get to know about these scams.

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Gvallasamy Friday, 08 November 2024 03:29 PM

Lock them up and throw away the key

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Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. Friday, 08 November 2024 03:32 PM

People in Sri Lanka on recent times have billions and hundreds of millions like it's pocket change. 30 or 40 years ago this was not the case. It seems like nepotism and next level corruption of the last 20 years created thiswealth and made very ordinary people super rich through dishonest means. No education or hard work needed. Just defraud your way up by preying on the gillible and desperate people.

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Nimal 1 Saturday, 09 November 2024 06:53 AM

It is amazing that in spite of the many heinous scams that are being revealed from time to time, our gullible people still fall prey to these deceivers.

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Cherath Saturday, 09 November 2024 10:13 AM

Like Nimal 1 says, I too am flabbergasted as to the naivety of some people to get caught into these scams. It is said, 'if anything looks too good to be true and genuine, then it most probably isn't'. If in doubt or no doubt, always seek a 2nd or 3rd opinion before committing yourself.

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FERNANDO Sunday, 10 November 2024 06:22 PM

ANY CONNECTION TO RAJAPAKSAS?

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Observer Sunday, 17 November 2024 02:44 PM

Of course. If you go deep on details somewhere somewhat Rajapaksa clans names will certainly immerge.All the big scams in this kind couldn’t established without their skills and profits.

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