Sri Lankan Authorities Probe 17 More Companies for Massive Dollar Transfer Scam

The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of Sri Lanka Police is investigating 17 more companies for allegedly transferring US dollars overseas under false pretenses. The investigation follows a complaint from Sri Lanka Customs, which alleged that several companies had been transferring funds to import goods from foreign countries.

According to the FCID, all 17 companies are believed to be operated by one or two individuals. Authorities stated that they are currently identifying the relevant individuals and will take steps to arrest them.

The investigation has revealed that the 17 companies, along with 72 others previously investigated, transferred a total of Rs. 190 billion in US dollars overseas between January 1, 2023, and September 30, 2025. Of this amount, Rs. 130 billion was transferred by the 72 companies.

The FCID suspects that most of these funds were earned through unlawful means, as no goods had been imported into Sri Lanka from high-risk countries such as Brazil, Panama, Mauritius, and Madagascar.