Hacking into bank accounts from US: Another suspect arrested in Jaffna

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) yesterday arrested a 41-year old person from Jaffna for suspected money laundering after Rs. 13.4 million had been deposited to one of his bank accounts by an individual from the US.

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said according to the investigations, several persons in the US and Canada had taken money by hacking into various persons' bank accounts in the US.

"Thereafter, they transfer the money to various persons' bank accounts in Sri Lanka. Then the hackers withdraw the money back to their bank accounts and in return they give a commison to the local bank account holders," the Spokesman said.

The CID launched investigation after a complaint had been received to the CID in April 2020 over the offence of money laundering.

According to the complainant, Rs. 140 million had been deposited to several bank accounts of various persons especially those in Nothern parts of Sri Lanka. DIG Rohana said that the CID had arrested a suspect from Vavuniya few days ago and he had received Rs. 17.2 million to his bank account from the US.

The CID arrested more than 30 persons since April, 2020 to date in connection with the offense.

The Spokesman said that the CID was conducting further investigations and the Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) of the Sri Lanka Central Bank is also assisting the investigation.(DSB)