Fictional superhero ‘Batman’ inspires thefts in WTC

• Steals laptops and mobile phones worth nearly Rs. 3Mn

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

The Fort Police have arrested a man who, inspired by the fictional superhero Batman, committed a series of thefts at the World Trade Centre (WTC) in Colombo.

Police said the suspect, a 23-year-old Sudanese man of Eritrean origin, allegedly stole millions worth of electronic devices to fund his casino habit.

According to police, the thefts occurred in the early hours of January 17.

The suspect targeted four offices on the 26th floor of the WTC’s East Tower, taking laptops and mobile phones valued at nearly Rs 3 million. After each theft, the suspect left a note on the walls of the offices with the words “BATMAN” written on them.

The police officers suspected that the individual was someone well-versed in the security and interior layout of the World Trade Centre.

Accordingly, the police took steps to check the social media accounts of individuals who had previously worked at the WTC. Their attention was drawn to a Facebook account with several images of ‘BATMAN’ posted.

Police were able to track down the man after reviewing CCTV footage. The CCTV showed a well-dressed individual wearing a face mask entering the WTC.

The footage also showed the suspect taking office keys from a key rack and stealing electronic devices.
Further inquiries revealed that the suspect had once been familiar with the WTC’s layout and security systems.
His father had previously operated a fish export consultancy at the WTC, and the suspect had worked there as a director.

Police also discovered that the man had sold the stolen items at a significantly lower price to find money to visit casinos.

Police said the suspect was arrested near a major casino in Colombo, and the police recovered stolen goods, including laptops and mobile phones.

He confessed to the crimes, admitting that he used the stolen money for gambling.

The Fort Police are investigating the incident.