The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to immediately arrest individuals accused of fraudulently collecting money using the name and image of Minister Sunil Handunnetti.
Magistrate Mohamed Rizwan also instructed the CID to obtain the bank records of the suspects as part of the ongoing investigation.
This order was issued following a complaint filed by Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Development Sunil Handunnetti with the CID, detailing the fraudulent activity. The complaint highlighted that a group of individuals had been using social media platforms, including WhatsApp, to solicit money from both local and foreign individuals by misappropriating Handunnetti’s name and image.
Investigating officers informed the court that the suspects have been identified, and efforts are currently underway to apprehend them. The officers also requested permission to obtain the relevant bank records.
After reviewing the details, the Magistrate further instructed that a progress report on the investigation be submitted to the court without delay.
