Crime

-- 15 underworld figures arrested in countries including Russia, Oman, Dubai and India -- Extradition can only take place after mutual agreements The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with the assistance of Interpol, is engaged in diplomatic-level discussions to repatriate several Sri Lankan underworld figures who have been arrested overseas, the Daily Mirror learns. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala recently said that 15 Sri Lankan underworld figures with Interpol Red Notices had been arrested in countries including Russia, Oman, Dubai and India. The suspects are reportedly involved in organised crime and drug trafficking. Police Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler said that the CID is working closely with the relevant foreign authorities to facilitate the extradition process. “Extradition can only take place after mutual agreements, based on reciprocal treaties between the involved countries, have been adopted. These processes take time and require extensive transnational coordination,” he said. Sri Lankan organised criminals are known to be hiding in countries such as the UAE, Italy, France, Switzerland, Indonesia, Canada, Russia, Oman and India to evade law enforcement. The Sri Lanka Police has requested around 200 Interpol Red Notices within the past year. As a result, at least 17 suspects, including high-profile underworld figure Mandinu Padmasiri, alias ‘Kehelbaddara Padme,’ have been extradited to Sri Lanka. Padmasiri and his associates, known by the aliases ‘Commando Salintha,’ ‘Backhoe Saman,’ ‘Thembili Lahiru,’ and ‘Kudu Nilantha’ were arrested in Jakarta and brought back to Sri Lanka in August this year. Minister Wijepala said the government has taken several measures to apprehend suspects hiding abroad, including issuing Red Notices and strengthening airport security with facial recognition systems at the Katunayake Airport. The Police are also maintaining a central database of wanted suspects, he added.