• CIABOC reports over 2,200 cases in first 5 months of 2025

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has received 2,221 complaints in the first five months of 2025, according to its latest progress report. 

This figure amounts to more than half of the 4,113 complaints recorded throughout the entirety of 2024.

During the same period, the CIABOC had directed 224 complaints for formal investigation and conducted 44 raids.

The raids had resulted in the arrest of 31 suspects, including eight Police officers, a school principal, and two public health inspectors. 

This compares with 116 raids and 86 arrests during the entirety of 2024.

In terms of prosecutions, 42 new cases were filed against 45 accused persons from January to May this year and the commission concluded 29 cases, resulting in two convictions. 

In 2024, a total of 83 cases were filed and 21 convictions were recorded throughout the year.

The Government collected Rs. 1,437,500 in fines, penalties, and confiscated assets during the first five months of 2025. This is significantly lower than the Rs. 51,509,500 collected in 2024.

As of 31 May this year, there were 272 pending cases – slightly higher than the 259 cases pending at the end of 2024.

In such a backdrop, when contacted, CIABOC Chairman Neil Iddawela said: “With the new Anti-Corruption Act, we have received all the powers and we are using our powers to achieve results as best we can.” 

He added: “Even in 2024, when I was appointed, I observed that we were an independent body, so we acted with freedom and made arrests. I would not say that anything has changed in the performance of our work since I joined.”

On the issue of high-profile investigations, Iddawela maintained discretion, noting: “I cannot comment on high-profile arrests because it could affect our investigations.”