Investigation Continues into Treasury Cyber Theft: Technical and Administrative Failures in the Department Evaluated

COLOMBO (News 1st) -Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando says that investigations are currently underway to determine whether a technical or administrative breakdown led to the theft of $2.5 million from the General Treasury by cybercriminals. 

Police stated that assistance from the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has been sought for the investigation. 

Police have recorded statements from seven officials attached to the General Treasury’s Public Debt Management Office and the Department of External Resources.

To facilitate further inquiries, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers have taken several computers used by these officials into custody for forensic analysis.

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) is providing technical expertise to the investigation.

Meanwhile, The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has agreed to support the probe.

Authorities confirmed that essential investigative data is already being exchanged with the Australian Federal Police to track the perpetrators. 

Authorities noted that support has been extended under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established between the two police forces last year.

Police stated that critical investigative data is already being actively exchanged with the Australian Federal Police to track the stolen funds and identify the suspects.