The Officer-in-Charge of Welikada Police was yesterday (27) arrested in Veyangoda by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau over allegations relating to the illegal possession of passports belonging to 19 Chinese nationals, police stated. 

He is accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 300,000 per person to release the passports of 19 Chinese nationals who had been arrested in connection with an online scam operation.

Investigations have revealed that the passports of the suspects arrested in the Rajagiriya area had allegedly been retained by the OIC, who then demanded payment for their release.

Police further stated that the demand for money had allegedly been communicated through another person.

The arrest was made following a complaint lodged regarding the incident, and the suspect is due to be produced before court.