Police nab ransom gang

by Sarath Malalasekera.

The Colombo Crimes Division yesterday evening arrested a five member gang operating in the Colombo area who had sent letters to leading businessmen in Colombo on LTTE letterheads containing the LTTE emblem, demanding ransom on threats of murder.

According to CCD information, the gang comprised five members led by a former Reserve Police Constable.

They were nabbed while attempting to collect a ransom from a Colombo businessman. Police sources added that their modus operandi was to first send a letter to their chosen victim and get it confirmed by a telephone call to the intended victim.

The letter is written on a LTTE letterhead containing the LTTE emblem and it threatens the victim to comply with their demand failing which the entire family including the children will be killed.

When the intended victim answers the telephone call in the affirmative the gang leader gives a bank account number to which the demanded ransom has to be credited.

A special CCD team under the instructions of SSP Sarath Lugoda, the Director of the CCD is conducting further investigations.

Police appeal to persons who have been subjected to intimidation by this gang to seek police assistance.