Two Chinese nationals arrested at BIA for stealing Rs. 483,855 from monk

By T.K.G. Kapila

Two Chinese nationals were arrested yesterday (25) by Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Police for allegedly stealing foreign currency worth Rs. 483,855 from a Buddhist monk on an aircraft in transit.

The victim, Ven. Digalle Mahinda Thera, a teacher by profession residing at a temple in Peradeniya, had arrived at BIA on Etihad Airways flight EY-392 from Abu Dhabi at 10:05 a.m. yesterday (25).

According to reports, while the aircraft was airborne over BIA, the monk went to the restroom. During this time, the two suspects accessed his travel bag kept in the overhead rack. When the monk returned, the suspects had fled, and he did not immediately notice the theft.

Upon landing, during customs clearance, the monk discovered that his foreign currency was missing. The stolen cash included 250 Euros, 100 Sterling Pounds, 250 US Dollars, and 3,850 Malaysian Ringgit.

The monk lodged a complaint with the Airport Police, who reviewed CCTV footage. The suspects were seen leaving the airport in a three-wheeler. With assistance from the airport’s three-wheeler associations, police tracked the vehicle and arrested the two suspects along with the stolen money.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had planned to use the stolen cash for casino gambling in Colombo today (26). The arrested individuals are 31 and 58 years old.

Further investigations are underway, and the suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today.