Bribery Commission cracks down on hidden assets under new crime act

Four cases under investigation, Public urged to expose illicit assets

- By DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) is probing several properties, including a hotel and multiple houses connected to public officials, under Sri Lanka's new Proceeds of Crime Act, Director General Ranga Dissanayake said.

He said at least four cases are currently being examined under the law, which empowers the state to confiscate assets if owners cannot justify their source.

"Unlike conventional criminal trials that require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, this Act allows for confiscation based on the "balance of probabilities. Suspects must prove the legitimate origin of their wealth or risk losing it, even without a criminal conviction." Dissanayake explained.