The Police Illegal Assets Investigation Division has ordered the freezing of property and bank accounts allegedly linked to organised crime and drug trafficking suspect Nirmala Prasanga, alias Backhoe Saman, who was arrested in Indonesia.

The order, which came into effect yesterday (5), will remain valid for 14 working days and covers assets reportedly valued at around Rs 40 million.

Among the assets are a luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle valued at approximately Rs 20 million and two fixed deposits totalling Rs 20 million held at two private banks.

According to information received by investigators, the assets had allegedly been acquired in the name of a woman identified as Nimanthi Fonseka.

The freezing order has been issued as part of investigations into the suspected assets of ‘Backhoe Saman’, who is alleged to be involved in organised crime and drug trafficking.

Further investigations into the assets are being conducted under the supervision of the Director of the Illegal Assets Investigation Division, Senior Superintendent of Police CW Wickramasekara.