Two Chinese nationals were arrested yesterday (25) by the Katunayake Airport Police for stealing foreign currency worth Rs. 483,855 from a Buddhist monk on an aircraft in transit, it was reported.
According to reports, the victim, Ven. Digalle Mahinda Thero, a teacher by profession residing at a temple in Peradeniya, had arrived at Katunayake Airport on Etihad Airways flight EY-392 from Abu Dhabi at 10:05 a.m. on 25 November.
While the aircraft was airborne over Katunayake, the monk had gone to the restroom. At that moment, two Chinese nationals approached his seat and accessed his travel bag kept in the overhead rack. When the monk returned, the suspects fled, and he did not immediately check further.
Upon landing at Katunayake, during customs clearance, the monk discovered that his foreign currency was missing. The stolen amount included 250 Euros, 100 Sterling Pounds, 250 US Dollars, and 3,850 Malaysian Ringgit.
The monk lodged a complaint with the Airport Police, who reviewed CCTV footage. The suspects were seen leaving the airport in a three-wheeler. With the assistance of the airport’s three-wheeler associations, police identified the vehicle and arrested the two suspects along with the stolen money.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had planned to use the stolen cash for casino gambling in Colombo today (26). The arrested individuals are aged 31 and 58.
Further investigations are being conducted by the Katunayake Airport Police, and the suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (26). (Newswire)