An official attached to the Immigration and Emigration Department was arrested yesterday (14) by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over an alleged financial fraud linked to the installation of a software system. 

The suspect, identified as K Herath, served as the Department’s Controller of Information Technology and Border Control. 

The arrest was carried out following an investigation by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division of the CID. According to investigators, a sum of over Rs  9.8 million had been paid for the installation of software identified as the “User Management Module.” 

However, the authorities allege that the software was never installed and that Government funds were fraudulently obtained without delivering the system. Police stated that the arrest was made under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Further investigations are underway regarding the alleged misuse and misappropriation of public funds.