FBI arrives in Sri Lanka to investigate cyber thefts

Colombo, May 23 (Daily Mirror): A team from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrived in Sri Lanka to assist local authorities in investigating the cyber theft of $2.5 million from Sri Lankan Treasury funds in one instance and another US $ 625,000 in terms of payment to the US postal authorities , a senior officer told the *Daily Mirror*.

The investigation took an international turn after tracking revealed that the stolen funds were routed through financial systems in the United States, specifically tracing back to multiple bank accounts in two different U.S. states.

It was revealed that discussions have already commenced within the U.S. Embassy premises, where Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials have held several extensive rounds of meetings with FBI representatives.

The officer said that a federal team is currently on the ground, collaborating with the CID to trace the digital footprint of the stolen funds.

Earlier, it was reported that investigators had identified the company allegedly used to conceal the hackers linked to the disappearance of $2.5 million.

According to investigators, the funds were routed through a third-party entity identified as “Biz Solutions,” a company reportedly involved in online business registration services. The company had been registered in the state of Delaware, USA.

The cyber breach targeted the Department of External Resources (ERD) and involved unauthorized access to official email communication channels. Through the breach, hackers allegedly intercepted and redirected funds linked to a $22.9 million bilateral debt repayment to Australia.

Police investigations have found that four out of six payment vouchers intended for submission to Australian authorities as part of the debt settlement process had been diverted to the hackers. It was reported that, although Delaware had been used to register the company due to its comparatively lenient business regulations, one of the final transaction vouchers was connected to another U.S. state where banking regulations are significantly stricter.

U.S. authorities have reportedly pledged their full cooperation in the investigations and are prepared to take legal action against any suspects in the scam who are living in the United States.

However, despite the intense collaborative effort, investigators admit they are yet to conclusively verify the exact transaction paths or identify the final destination accounts where the millions ultimately landed.

There has been no firm confirmation yet as to exactly which account this money was credited to or in what manner.

It was revealed that the FBI has agreed to provide the necessary technical tools and full cooperation to the CID.