Three men have been arrested by the Unawatuna Tourist Police for allegedly impersonating tourist police officers, detaining a Brazilian national and demanding a Rs. 3 million ransom.
Police said the Brazilian tourist was staying at a guesthouse in Thalpe, Galle, when two suspects arrived claiming to be Tourist Police officers and searched his room.
The suspects allegedly seized the victim’s Brazilian passport, US documents, mobile phones and several other belongings.
A third suspect later joined them, after which the group allegedly handcuffed and threatened the tourist, claiming that a bribe had to be paid to a senior police officer in Colombo to prevent his arrest.
The suspects allegedly demanded Rs. 3 million, claiming they had already raised Rs. 200,000 by pawning a motorcycle and insisting that the remaining Rs. 2.8 million be paid immediately.
Following a complaint, officers from the Unawatuna Tourist Police launched an operation and arrested the three suspects, aged 25 and 26.
Police also took into custody an Alto car allegedly used in the crime.
The suspects are due to be produced before the Galle Magistrate’s Court, while further investigations are underway. (Newswire)