The ” Proceeds of crime Investigation Division ” was inaugurated this morning (20) under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala.
The Proceeds of crime Investigation Division will conduct investigations into the illegal acquisition of money, property, and assets, and is located in the old Police Headquarters building.
“Proceeds of crime Investigation Division opens today”
The investigations of this Division will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act, No. 05 of 2025. The Division is headed by a Director-General, with a Deputy Director-General also appointed.
It is reported that Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Asanga Karavita has been appointed as the Director-General of this Division for a period of 03 years, subject to the approval of the National Police Commission. Asanga Karavita also serves as the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Criminal Investigation Department and the Financial Crimes Division.
It is also mentioned that the Act legally mandates this Division to provide assistance to investigations carried out by 34 related state institutions.
This Division is legally empowered to investigate the acquisition of assets carried out through any means. Police Headquarters further stated that there is also the possibility of filing civil lawsuits regarding non-criminal asset acquisitions.
The public also has the opportunity to directly lodge complaints with this Division, which is also empowered to temporarily prohibit or seize illegally acquired property for a period of 30 days.
