A Hambantota Port employee and a businessman have been arrested over an alleged racket involving the theft and sale of smart keys belonging to vehicles imported through the Hambantota Port.
Investigations by port security personnel identified an employee suspected of stealing smart keys from imported vehicles. The employee was subsequently handed over to Hambantota Port Police for further investigation.
Police investigations have revealed that the employee allegedly sold the stolen keys to a businessman in the Kurunegala area, with prices starting at around Rs. 6,000 depending on the type of vehicle.
Police said approximately 45 smart keys had allegedly been sold over several months, with the employee suspected of earning more than Rs. 1.5 million through the operation.
Based on information obtained from the employee, police arrested the businessman in Kurunegala who allegedly purchased the keys. Police also recovered smart keys from his possession.
Investigators suspect the racket may have been operating since vehicles began being imported through the Hambantota Port.
The two suspects were produced before the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court on Sept. 11 and remanded until Sept. 22.
Hambantota Port Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire)