Police to arrest and question four former ministers, others over links to Basik

By Norman Palihawadane

Police are investigating alleged links between suspected major drug trafficker Shiran Basik and a number of prominent politicians, with eight of them due to be arrested and questioned as investigators widen their probe into his financial dealings and network of associates, police headquarters, according to a senior police officer.

Among those set to face questioning include a sitting MP, four former ministers, and at least one of them is a female. Police are also investigating allegations that Basik provided large sums of money to politicians during election campaigns and extended other financial and material benefits to political figures.

Investigators are also looking into claims that two politicians were provided with facilities to construct houses and hotels, while efforts are under way to establish the extent of political support and assistance allegedly provided to Basik.

The Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) is expected to question the politicians based on information reportedly disclosed by Basik during interrogation. Two electoral organisers are also expected to be taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation, according to police sources.

Meanwhile, statements are being recorded from managers and employees of several businesses allegedly linked to Basik, while investigators continue to examine information and records recovered from his mobile phone.

Basik, 48, was brought back to Sri Lanka on August 14 after being arrested in Dubai and deported. He was taken into custody by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department’s Airport Unit at Bandaranaike International Airport and subsequently handed over to the CCIB for further investigation.

Police initially obtained a 72-hour detention order to question Basik before securing approval to detain him for 90 days.

Basik, a resident of Dehiwala, is facing investigations over alleged large-scale drug trafficking as well as firearms, and unlawful assembly of weapons-related offences. Police are also examining whether he had any involvement in recent prison-related incidents and have said information has emerged linking him to the 2012 Welikada Prison riot.

The investigation has also expanded to Basik’s alleged assets and business interests in Sri Lanka and overseas.

Police have said information uncovered during questioning indicates that Basik had claimed ownership of five hotels along Colombo’s Marine Drive. Investigators have also identified two houses and two mobile phone shops in Boralesgamuwa allegedly linked to him.

A court has ordered a comprehensive examination of bank accounts linked to Basik, with the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to conduct a review of his financial accounts. A separate investigation into his wealth and properties is being conducted by the Illegal Assets Investigation Division.

Investigators are also examining claims that Basik owns properties, including hotels and vehicles, in several European countries, as well as a high-value vehicle in Dubai. These claims remain subject to further investigation.

Basik had left Sri Lanka for Dubai in 2018, where police said he lived a lavish lifestyle while operating businesses. He was arrested by UAE authorities before being deported to Sri Lanka.

During initial questioning, Basik told investigators that Dubai police had stopped and searched him at a shopping mall and examined his mobile phone. He claimed that footage relating to Iranian missile and drone attacks was found on the device and that he was subsequently questioned over alleged links to Iran.

Police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding his arrest and deportation, as well as the information contained in his mobile phone and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

The ongoing probe is being conducted under the supervision of Senior DIG Ranmal Kodituwakku and SSP Kamal Ariyawansa.The allegations against Basik and the politicians named in connection with the investigation have not been established in court, and the investigations remain ongoing.