The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into a group allegedly defrauding members of the public by impersonating police officers and bank officials.
The probe is being conducted by the CID’s Computer Crime Investigation Division following multiple complaints, Police said in a statement. Several suspects have been arrested, and further investigations are ongoing.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects used foreign telephone numbers resembling Sri Lankan landline numbers to contact targeted individuals, including bank account holders and other professionals.
During the calls, the fraudsters allegedly posed as representatives of local banks or financial institutions and falsely claimed that complaints had been lodged against the victims’ bank accounts.
Under the pretext of initiating legal action, the callers reportedly transferred the calls to accomplices impersonating officers from Sri Lanka Police investigation units. Police said the suspects conducted WhatsApp video calls while dressed in attire resembling official police uniforms.
Investigators said the suspects simulated a police environment during the calls, staged mock interrogations and recorded statements to create an appearance of authenticity.
Victims were then allegedly instructed to transfer funds from their personal accounts to multiple accounts provided by the suspects, under the claim that the transfers were required to verify or secure their accounts.
Further inquiries revealed that the funds obtained through the scheme were routed through several intermediary bank accounts before being converted into cryptocurrency via Binance accounts. Arrested suspects have reportedly admitted transferring the funds on the instructions of individuals who contacted them online and receiving commissions for facilitating the transactions.
Police have urged the public not to disclose personal banking details, account information or online transaction credentials to unknown individuals. The public is advised to immediately inform Sri Lanka Police if they receive suspicious calls or messages of this nature.
The Police Media Division has requested media institutions to publicize the warning to enhance public awareness and prevent further financial losses. (Newswire)