Who received US $ 2.5 million in cyber theft? Central Bank probes

Colombo, April 27 (Daily Mirror) - The Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank is investigating what account US $ 2.5 million was transferred to following the breach of the computer system of the Finance Ministry , Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said yesterday.

Following public revelation by the association called ' Free Lawyers', the Finance Ministry admitted that US $ 2.5 million due for payment to Australia as part of debt servicing had been stolen by hackers .

An investigation is now underway with the involvement of multiple agencies such as the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Central Bank . Besides , Australian Federal Police (AFP) is also assisting in investigation.

Minister Wijepala told Daily Mirror that the Central Bank's FIU was probing what account received the stolen money.

"The CID made the request in this regard. The FIU carries out investigation, " he said.

Asked whether an AFP delegation will come here for assistance, he said such a need had not arisen yet.

"We are still at the preliminary level of investigation. If there is a need, we will invite, " he said.