Colombo – The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has warned of a potential collapse of Sri Lanka’s banking system and severe damage to the national economy due to widespread money fraud orchestrated by international cybercriminals. The alarming revelation was made before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage on September 30.
The CID stated that cybercriminals from Ukraine, India, and Bulgaria have infiltrated the country, targeting local banks through sophisticated online scams. The fraud, which involves fake promotions and phishing schemes via platforms like Facebook and Telegram, has raised concerns about the vulnerability of the banking sector to cyberattacks.
Two Ukrainian nationals, Harunov Nikita and Svets Libomir, were presented in court, accused of being part of this cybercrime ring. The pair allegedly scammed over 3.6 million rupees by advertising a fake anniversary promotion for a major private bank and promising fraudulent online income sources. The Magistrate ordered their remand and instructed the CID to conduct a thorough investigation into the broader network of cybercriminals involved.
This incident highlights growing concerns over cybersecurity in Sri Lanka, as the financial sector faces increasing threats from foreign hackers. The CID emphasized that without swift action, the banking system could face significant disruption, endangering the broader economy.
The case continues to unfold as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the fraud and prevent further damage to the nation’s financial institutions.
