Five arrested over Rs.7 Mn extortion racket

The officers of the Crime Investigation Division of the Grandpass Police yesterday arrested five suspects, including two gem traders, who were involved in extorting a ransom of Rs.7 million by kidnapping the owner of a chain of building material stores.

Police also found the ransom money in the possession of the suspects.

The two gem traders are residents of Grabandpass and Mattakkuliya. The Police say that there is a three-wheeler driver among the suspects.

The Police say all five suspects are friends of the arrested businessman.

Investigations have revealed that the two gem traders have planned to kidnap their friend and take ransom due to their business suffering losses.

This businessman had been kidnapped on February 10.

He was later released in Dematagoda after taking the ransom money. After the release he lodged a complaint with the Police.