Probe launched after fake police officers trick victims into crypt transfers

Victims deceived into transferring funds to multiple accounts provided by the criminals

The fraudsters pose as representatives of local banks or financial institutions and falsely claim that complaints have been lodged regarding the victims’ bank accounts

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), through its Computer Crime Investigation Division, has launched investigations into multiple complaints regarding individuals fraudulently obtaining money from the public by impersonating police officers. 

Police said that several suspects have already been arrested, and further inquiries are ongoing. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the perpetrators use foreign telephone numbers resembling Sri Lankan landlines to contact victims, primarily account holders and professionals. During these calls, the fraudsters pose as representatives of local banks or financial institutions and falsely claim that complaints have been lodged regarding the victims’ bank accounts. 

Under the pretext of initiating legal action, the callers transfer the communication to accomplices impersonating officers from Sri Lanka Police investigation units. These individuals conduct WhatsApp video calls while dressed in uniforms resembling official police attire. 

Police said the suspects simulate an active police environment during the calls, including mock interrogations and recording statements to create the appearance of authenticity. Victims are then deceived into transferring funds from their personal bank accounts to multiple accounts provided by the criminals, under the claim that the transfers are necessary to verify or secure their accounts.  

Further inquiries have revealed that the illegally obtained funds are routed through several intermediary bank accounts and converted into cryptocurrency via Binance accounts. Arrested suspects reportedly admitted transferring the deposited funds under instructions from online contacts and receiving commissions for facilitating the transactions. 

The Police urged the public not to disclose personal banking details, account information, or online transaction credentials to unknown individuals. Anyone receiving suspicious calls or messages of this nature is advised to immediately notify the Sri Lankan Police.