Fraud and corruption charges against 40 customs officers

Disciplinary investigations are ongoing against 40 officers accused of fraud and corruption in Sri Lanka Customs.

Customs Media Spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda said that although allegations of fraud and corruption have been levelled against Sri Lanka Customs, it is not the Customs that is corrupt but certain officers.

He observed that six Customs officers have been suspended while another group has been dismissed from service. He also said that another group has been punished for their involvement in fraud and corruption in 2024.

Four Customs officers who were found guilty in a case filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) have been sentenced to 35 years in prison recently.

As per a proposal by the IMF, an internal affairs division has been established within the Customs Department. Accordingly, opportunities will be facilitated for the public to complain about corrupt officials along with the name and position of that officer.

The spokesperson also added that an investigation will be conducted regarding every complaint received, and those individuals who are found guilty will be punished.