A Sri Lankan woman has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the possession of counterfeit US currency valued at approximately USD 700,000.
The arrest took place this morning (08) at a residence in Kotikawatta. The suspect, a 53-year-old woman, was found in possession of 60 bundles of counterfeit $100 banknotes.
Police stated that the total value of the seized fake currency amounts to around Rs. 210 million.
Authorities suspect that the counterfeit notes were printed overseas and smuggled into Sri Lanka.
Investigations further indicate the possible involvement of a Pakistani national in the operation.
According to police, the fake US dollars were intended to be exchanged at a rate of Rs. 284 per US dollar. Investigators also allege that several local businesspersons were deceived through the scheme.
The suspect is due to be produced before the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (09).
