Sri Lanka’s Illicit Assets Investigation Unit has launched a massive crackdown on the billion-rupee empire of underworld kingpin Kehelbaddara Padme, uncovering luxury hotels, lands, vehicles and properties linked to organized crime.
The Illicit Assets Investigation Unit has moved to freeze movable and immovable properties belonging to underworld gang leader Kehelbaddara Padme, who was recently arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia, along with five other organized criminals. The assets are estimated to be worth over one billion rupees.
According to police sources, properties worth nearly 750 million rupees tied to Padme have already been identified in Gampaha, Minuwangoda, Kehelbaddara and other areas. These include hotels, luxury houses, lands, buildings, vehicles and other high-value assets.
Investigators revealed that many properties had been purchased under the names of Padme’s family members to conceal ownership. Extensive investigations are now underway to trace and seize these hidden assets.
Meanwhile, the Illicit Assets Investigation Unit has also begun similar probes into the wealth and property holdings of other notorious underworld figures currently in custody, including Commando Salintha, Panadure Nilanga, Backo Saman and Tambari Lahiru.
The sweeping crackdown marks one of the largest operations in recent years against organized crime and illicit wealth accumulation in Sri Lanka, sending a strong message that authorities intend to dismantle criminal empires built on violence, drugs and extortion.
