Several investigative agencies, including the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), have launched investigations into the sons of 10 former ministers over allegations of bribery, corruption and other irregularities, according to a report.
The Lankadeepa newspaper reported, quoting a senior police officer, that separate investigations are also underway into several sons of former ministers over their alleged links to organised criminal groups.
Authorities have reportedly taken steps to prevent the suspects from leaving the country.
The report states that three sons of politicians, including former ministers, have already been arrested over various corruption allegations and alleged dealings with organised crime. Among them is Rakhitha Rajapaksa, the son of former Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who was recently arrested in connection with a bribery investigation.
Investigators have allegedly uncovered information indicating that many sons of former ministers abused the influence of their fathers during previous governments to engage in corruption and other irregular activities. In some cases, former ministers are also suspected of having directly assisted their sons, according to CID sources quoted in the report.
As a result, statements are expected to be recorded from several former ministers as part of the ongoing investigations.
The report further states that arrests will be made after investigators gather additional evidence against the suspects.
