The Kollupitiya Police Tourist Division has arrested a three-wheeler driver and another individual for allegedly defrauding a Ukrainian tourist by charging an exorbitant Rs. 14,000 for a short trip of just 3.6 kilometres.

According to the complaint lodged by the tourist, she had hired the three-wheeler from Colombo Fort to travel to the area near the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya — a journey that should have cost only a few hundred rupees. However, upon reaching the destination, the driver reportedly demanded Rs. 14,000, which she reluctantly paid.

Following the complaint, the police reviewed security camera footage in the area and successfully identified the suspects and the vehicle involved. The police stated that both suspects and the three-wheeler were taken into custody, along with the defrauded amount of money.

Investigations revealed that the tourist had provided video footage she recorded during the journey, which helped officers identify the colour and registration details of the vehicle. After examining around seven CCTV recordings along the route, police were able to trace and apprehend the suspects.

Police further noted that the two men had shared the stolen money between them.

The arrested three-wheeler driver is a 23-year-old resident of Ferguson Road, Colombo 15, while the second suspect is a 46-year-old resident of Galboralla, Kelaniya.