Suspect arrested for sending over 100 persons to Russia on tourist visas

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

A person was arrested in Dehiwala for facilitating over 100 individuals to go to Russia on tourist visas, apparently as mercenaries to serve in the Russia-Ukraine war, police said.

The suspect was arrested by the Human Trafficking, Smuggling and Maritime Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The suspect had reportedly assisted the individuals in obtaining tourist visas to Russia while operating near the Russian Embassy.

Following interrogations, the suspect will be produced before court tomorrow.

Investigations were initiated following reports of Sri Lankans being trafficked for participation in conflicts in the Russian and Ukrainian territories.

Previously, several suspects were arrested by the Police and CID for allegedly trafficking Sri Lankans to Russia and Ukraine in recent weeks.