By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has initiated legal proceedings against seven individuals, including five Department of Motor Traffic employees, for unlawfully registering around 400 vehicles not cleared through Customs.  

According to the Bribery Commission, they possess information regarding the registration of nearly 400 vehicles that bypassed Sri Lanka Customs procedures, resulting in financial losses to the government through fraudulent means.  

Investigation officers from the commission have identified specific details about 156 of these vehicles, most of which fall under the luxury category.  Consequently, the Bribery Commission has seized seven vehicles from their current owners and returned them to the Sri Lanka Customs, following court orders.