Special police unit to probe large-scale financial crime

The police department has decided to establish a special unit to investigate large-scale financial crimes, including money laundering.

New police officers including female officers are to be assigned to the unit which will comprise Assistant Superintendent of Police, Chief Inspector, Inspector of Police, Sub-Inspectors, Sergeants and Constables.

In a statement issued by the Police Headquarters, the special police unit will investigate large scale financial fraud, breach of trust, misuse, money laundering and instigate legal action against the responsible parties.

India has promised support to Sri Lanka to train people to probe money laundering activities while the United States has said it will provide support to recover ill-gotten wealth stashed abroad.

The Cabinet of Ministers had also approved a proposal by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to set up a secretariat to investigate into alleged large-scale corruption and malpractices of the previous government.