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

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.