Rs. 50 Million gold scam: CID arrests suspect, seeks information

Colombo, Jan. 16 (Daily Mirror) - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched investigations into a large-scale fraud following a complaint lodged on February 11, 2025, alleging that a resident of the Kelaniya area was cheated in a gold transaction.

According to the complaint, the suspect obtained Rs. 50 million from the complainant after claiming he could supply three and a half kilograms of gold. However, instead of genuine gold items, the suspect allegedly handed over two gold-plated iron pieces.

The suspect has been identified as Mahesh Chinthaka de Silva, a resident of No. 341, 11th Lane, Wilbawa, Kurunegala. His National Identity Card number is 198621302653.

Further investigations have revealed that the suspect had allegedly deceived individuals by using a forged identity card and posing as a Lieutenant Commander in the Sri Lanka Navy.

The CID arrested the suspect on December 23, 2025. He was subsequently produced before the Mahara Magistrate’s Court and remanded in custody.

Police said that two complaints have so far been received by the CID in connection with the suspect’s fraudulent activities. The Police are now seeking information to determine whether he has been involved in similar crimes elsewhere.

The Police have released a photograph of the suspect and request the public with any information related to the alleged offences to contact the Special Investigation Unit 03 via 011-2395371 or 071-8594915.