Airman mastermind of extortion racket in CID net

Sarath Malalasekera

COLOMBO: The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) yesterday made a major breakthrough in their investigations into the multi- million rupee extortion racket targeting Tamil and Muslim businessmen when they took into custody an ex-Airman.

The CID intensified its probe into the allegations of disappearances of Colombo businessmen followed by ransom demands by their captors on IGP Victor Perera’s orders.

The special CID squad deployed by CID DIG D.W. Prathapasinghe is investigating to ascertain whether there were other Airmen involved in the extortion racket.

The CID had also questioned the ex- Airman now in their custody in connection with several extortion cases in Colombo and other areas.

Several police stations in the Colombo District and other areas have received a number of complaints on extortion by an organised gang.

The CID special squad is also looking for the Airman’s accomplices in the extortion racket.