CID seeks Interpol help to trace duo in Japan & Australia over social media fake news

• fake news had been circulated in social media platforms such as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is to seek International Police Organisation (Interpol) assistance to trace two suspects living in Japan and Australia over circulating fake news related to COVID-19 deaths in Sri Lanka on social media.   

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that fake news had been circulated in the social media platforms such as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, claiming that dead bodies were found on streets in Sri Lanka due to COVID-19.   
It was also claimed that the health authorities of Sri Lanka are unable to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country and that a number of persons died on roads due to insufficient medical treatment, he said.   
The Spokesman said that the CID launched a probe over one particular fake news which was published, and accordingly they have arrested two local suspects, residents of Kadugannawa and Hanthana earlier in this regard.   
“According to forensic computer experts, it has been revealed that another two persons have collaborated on this from Japan and Australia, and they had published various articles containing fake news. Therefore, the CID will seek Interpol assistance to trace them,” he said.   The Spokesman urged social media users not to publish or forward news in connection with controversial issues. “People should verify whether such posts are correct. Otherwise, you might be a suspect of a criminal case,” DIG Rohana said.     

• The Spokesman urged social media users not to publish or forward news in connection with controversial issues