Threats, Toy Guns & a Trail of Lies — Rs. 10 Million Ransom Demand Ends in Arrest

COLOMBO (News 1st); Two suspects have been arrested by the Negombo Division Criminal Investigation Unit for allegedly demanding a ransom of Rs. 10 million and receiving Rs. 2 million from a local resident under threat of violence.

The arrests were made following a complaint and subsequent investigation. 

The suspects had reportedly threatened to kill the complainant and his child if the remaining ransom amount was not paid. The threats were directed at a resident of the Badalgama-Mellawagedara area.

The suspects, aged 32 and 46, are residents of Mattiyagane and Kotugoda. 

They were apprehended in the Dambathure area of Seeduwa. 

Police investigations revealed that the suspects had falsely used the names of two known organized criminals, who were later confirmed to have no involvement in the crime.

Authorities recovered several items used in the extortion operation, including:

- A toy pistol used to intimidate the victim
- A motorcycle and a newly purchased motorbike allegedly bought with the ransom money
- A three-wheeler
- Multiple mobile phones, SIM cards
- ATM cards from various banks, and all related vehicle documents