Crime wave Senior police officers under threat from organised criminal gangs

Dubai-based gangs threaten Senior DIGs

• Crackdown on foreign-based crime networks intensifies amidst threats
• Sri Lanka Police has obtained nearly 200 red notices, with more than 60 targeting criminals

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

High-ranking police officers and a former Minister have come under threats from organised criminals, prompting the government authorities to expedite action to crack down on such groups operating from overseas, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Daily Mirror learns.

In the most recent incident, three Senior Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), known for their active involvement in operations against the underworld and organised crime, reportedly received death threats from underworld figures believed to be operating out of Dubai.

It was reported that a group of underworld operatives, angered by the crackdown on their activities, have been making repeated threatening phone calls to the three officers. The officers have since filed complaints with the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).

A senior police officer told the Daily Mirror that a report had been called from the CID regarding the matter.Last week, former Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles also reportedly received death threats via phone calls from an underworld gang leader based in Dubai. The threats were made during several calls on July 5. In response, Alles lodged a formal complaint with the Acting IGP, who subsequently instructed police to launch an investigation.

Following these developments, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala directed the acting IGP and the CID to investigate the threats. The minister said that steps are underway to arrest underworld criminals operating from Dubai and to bring them back to Sri Lanka, with necessary diplomatic steps also in progress.In response to the rising number of shootings and underworld-related crimes in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Public Security earlier said that the minister and the police intensified efforts to apprehend criminals operating from abroad, including those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Interpol red notices have been issued for numerous suspects, including individuals involved in recent shootings. To date, Sri Lanka Police has obtained nearly 200 red notices, with more than 60 targeting criminals wanted for offences committed within the country. Many of these suspects are believed to be hiding in the UAE.Red notices have also been issued for suspects involved in terrorism, fraud, and money laundering. Notably, around 12 red notices target women linked to serious crimes such as fraud, murder, and drug trafficking.

Following discussions with authorities in host countries, legal steps are being taken to extradite these individuals. As a result, dozens of wanted criminals have already been returned to Sri Lanka.Earlier this week, it was reported that several Sri Lankans, among them notorious underworld figures Manudinu Padmasiri Perera, alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, and ‘Commando Salintha’, had been arrested in Malaysia.However, local authorities are still awaiting official confirmation. Sri Lankan officials have initiated discussions with Malaysian police regarding the arrests.