CID busts Kandy extortion ring

Sarath Malalasekara and Rafik Jalaldeen

COLOMBO: The CID uncovered a massive extortion racket yesterday following the arrest of 12 suspects involved in extortion and taking ransom from businessmen, CID DIG D.W. Prathapasingha said.

A special CID investigation team deployed under the direction of DIG Prathapasingha arrested the suspects who allegedly collected Rs.22.5 million from a Muslim Travel Agency owner in Kandy.

The CID special team recovered weapons and money from the suspects.

“After arresting the suspects, the CID special team recovered Rs.5 million from their possession,” the DIG said.

He said the CID also recovered a pistol, a revolver, four swords, two motorcycles, a three wheeler and two vans from the suspects. The DIG said the CID investigation revealed that the gang leader who led many extortion rackets was operating mainly in the Central Province.

“He has left the country and we suspect he is in the Middle East,” he added. “According to the information we have, the gang leader had taken part of the extortion money with him to the Middle East.”

The CID recently arrested more than 16 persons involved in abduction and extortion rackets, including an ex-Air Force officer.