LEN - www.lankaenews.com | The Story of the Luxury Car Scam That Caught Many RMV Officials in Its Net! Another Responsible Individual Comfortably Placed in the Prime Minister’s Office.!

The Story of the Luxury Car Scam That Caught Many RMV Officials in Its Net! Another Responsible Individual Comfortably Placed in the Prime Minister’s Office.!

-By Sampath Dillimuni

(Lanka-e-News -21.Nov.2024,11.10 pm) A massive fraud involving over 200 luxury motor vehicles imported without the knowledge of Sri Lanka Customs, causing significant losses to government revenue, has been exposed in court. These vehicles, imported after 2015, were fraudulently registered in the Department of Motor Traffic's system as vehicles imported before 2005. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) filed cases yesterday (19) at the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court regarding these charges.

Charges Against the Suspects..

Among the accused are Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Motor Traffic Bandula Jayasinghe, computer programmer Rohitha Samarawira, officials and clerks from the Vehicle Registration Division, and vehicle importers T.B. Eriyagama and Nalinda Mahesh Kumara. Legal action has been taken against them under the Customs Ordinance and the Bribery Act.

The Scheme Behind the Fraud..

This scam, involving the fraudulent registration of 200 luxury vehicles imported after 2015 as standard vehicles imported before 2005, resulted in a loss of over Rs. 500 million in taxes to the government.

Court Actions..

Last week, CIABOC seized 20 vehicles connected to the scam and handed them over to Customs authorities as per court orders. CIABOC stated that this fraud caused significant damage to state revenue and emphasized the need to punish those responsible.

Corrupt Officials Trapped While Another Thrives at the PM's Office..

While several corrupt officials involved in this scam have been caught, Lanka e-News has learned that a prominent figure in the Department of Motor Traffic, Kanchana Fonseka, who has a history of corruption, has been transferred to the Prime Minister's Office, where she now enjoys a senior position.

Kanchana Fonseka, a Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) Grade I officer, served at the Department of Motor Traffic from November 2019 to July 2023. She has faced numerous allegations of large-scale fraud and corruption during her tenure.

The High-Powered Motorcycle Fraud..

Reports indicate that between 2020 and 2023, more than 500 high-powered motorcycles smuggled into Sri Lanka were fraudulently registered as older motorcycles imported before 2012. In her last few months at the department, over 250 motorcycles previously seized by Customs were illegally registered under her watch. Insider sources allege that Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 400,000 was taken as bribes for registering each motorcycle.

This fraud was allegedly carried out with the involvement of officials, including the then Commissioner (Administration), Commissioner (IT), and internal auditors. They approved the fraudulent registrations by portraying the motorcycles as older models imported before 2012.

Facilitating Corruption..

Despite rules against prolonged postings, Kanchana Fonseka was repeatedly allowed to work at the Motor Traffic Department beyond her three-year tenure, enabling her to carry out these corrupt activities. Reports suggest that her continued stay was facilitated by the Public Service Commission, raising suspicions about whether bribes from the scam were distributed among higher-ups.

Promotion to the Prime Minister's Office..

Currently, Kanchana Fonseka serves as a Senior Assistant Secretary in the Transport Division of the Prime Minister’s Office. It is worth investigating who facilitated her transfer to such a significant position, despite her controversial record.

Urgent Need for Investigation..

The allegations of high-powered motorcycle fraud and illegal activities linked to Kanchana Fonseka require immediate investigation. All motorcycles registered during her tenure should be reviewed, and appropriate legal action must be taken to recover the lost tax revenue.

Removal from the PM’s Office..

Given the gravity of the allegations, Kanchana Fonseka should be removed from her current role at the Prime Minister’s Office until investigations are complete. Allowing her to remain in a position of power could undermine the integrity of the investigation.

Assets Investigation..

An in-depth investigation into the assets of Kanchana Fonseka and her family is also necessary. This would help uncover any illicit wealth and ensure accountability.

Legal Action Against All Involved..

The fraudulent registration of motorcycles under the guise of being older models must be thoroughly examined. Once investigations confirm the illegal activities, all individuals involved should face legal consequences.

A Broader Network of Corruption..

This scam likely involved individuals at multiple levels, from senior officials to junior staff. Investigations should extend to the then Commissioner of Motor Traffic to uncover the full scope of the fraud.

Officials engaged in corruption must understand that their misdeeds will eventually come to light, leading to imprisonment. This case highlights the urgent need to combat corruption in state institutions and rebuild public trust.

The new government must prioritize fighting corruption and ensure that those responsible for such crimes are brought to justice.