The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a special investigation into a large-scale racket involving the alleged smuggling of luxury vehicles worth millions of rupees into the country while evading customs duties, Dinamina reports.
According to police sources, the operation had been functioning during previous administrations. As part of the investigation, the son of a former president is expected to be summoned to the CID next week for questioning.
Investigators have already uncovered information about several luxury vehicles allegedly smuggled into the country in containers by an organised network. It has also been revealed that the children of prominent political figures used some of these vehicles, and extensive investigations are continuing into those links.
CID officers say that vehicles allegedly smuggled into the country by the former president’s son were fraudulently registered with the assistance of corrupt officials attached to the Department of Motor Traffic.
During an investigation into one such vehicle, authorities discovered that a politician’s son, who was listed as the registered owner, had subsequently paid the relevant customs duties on the vehicle.
Investigators have further revealed that, in the past, a system existed whereby vehicles that had been fraudulently imported were not confiscated. Instead, they were allowed to be released after the payment of the outstanding customs duties.
Meanwhile, in a separate CID investigation, another luxury vehicle linked to a similar scheme was seized. The vehicle had been taken into custody shortly before the last change of government. The individual who was in possession of the vehicle at the time reportedly informed investigators that it belonged to the son of a former president.
The CID subsequently handed over the vehicle to Sri Lanka Customs. However, due to the stricter legal environment under the current administration, those involved have reportedly been unable to pay the duties and secure their release. As a result, the luxury vehicle remains in the custody of Customs.
The former president’s son is expected to be summoned before the CID next week for further questioning as investigations continue.
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