Two Chinese nationals, who were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department in connection with the alleged Ponzi scheme ‘Sports Chain’, were ordered to be remanded till October 21 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela yesterday.
State Counsel Hansa Abeyrathne appearing on behalf of the Attorney General’s Department informed the Magistrate that the said two suspects have been arrested while they were trying to leave the country.
He also pointed out that the fraudulent amount exceeds Rs.15 billion. He further stated that more than 70 complaints were received pertaining to the said fraud.
SC Hansa Abeyrathne noted that nearly Rs.1.5 billion had been remitted to the third suspect’s bank account in between 2017 and 2021.
“The suspects had committed this fraud using the internet and modern technology. These two suspects cannot even speak Sinhala or English”, he added.
He also pointed out that Shamal Keerthi Bandara was arrested in connection with the said incident last Tuesday (11). It has been revealed that Shamal Keerthi Bandara had sent a message to a Chinese national through ‘WhatsApp’ mentioning to leave their place of residence as soon as possible.
The attorney appearing on behalf of the suspects informed the Magistrate that no evidence has been revealed so far that they have committed this fraud. He further stated that the second suspect was the son of the largest Chinese investor in Sri Lanka. Counsel also pleaded that his clients be…
