Business · Sri Lanka Bureau
Chinese suspect held in Colombo Port City extortion probe
Police have arrested a Chinese national as part of a widening investigation into an organised extortion racket targeting foreign investors and business operators in Colombo Port City. The Central Crime Investigation Bureau is examining links to a criminal network allegedly operating in the free trade zone.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Police Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has launched a comprehensive investigation into an organised criminal network of Chinese nationals suspected of running an extortion scheme against foreign investment firms and businesspersons operating within Colombo Port City.
The arrested suspect was taken into custody on October 12 at a luxury residential apartment, according to law enforcement officials. The CCIB has indicated that the investigation is ongoing and may yield further arrests as authorities work to dismantle the alleged extortion ring.
The targeting of foreign investors and business operators in Colombo Port City marks a significant security concern for the government's flagship economic development zone, which aims to attract international business and investment. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the extent of the racket or the scale of funds allegedly extorted.
The case underscores growing concerns about organised crime activities affecting the Port City development, a Special Economic Zone established to boost foreign direct investment and transform Sri Lanka's economic landscape. Police indicated that investigations are continuing to identify other members of the criminal network and determine the full scope of their operations.