The CID yesterday arrested the main suspect behind the printing of some three million counterfeit notes, which had been in operation since 2009.

At the time of the raid at Kesbewa the suspect had with him 20 counterfeit 100 rupee notes and 49 seals.

Police said the main characteristics of the counterfeit notes printed by the suspect were that they had the codes P/100, P103, P/130 and P/133.

He had also pasted two papers to make the counterfeit note with the security twine introduced into the note by cutting the front part of the note. The CID said several attempts had been made by them to arrest the suspect in special raids carried out at Padanangala, Mahiyangana and Embilipitiya but he had managed to escape. Police spokesman Ajith Rohana said the CID began investigations into the illegal activities following the arrest of a man in Maradana in June, 2009.

In December last year, the CID arrested a man in Mount Lavinia and seized 16 counterfeit notes. But the suspect never appeared in court though several arrest warrants were also issued.

Investigations had revealed that a single person was behind the entire racket.

The CID arrested several of his agents in Colombo, Avissawella and Homagama who were distributing the counterfeit notes.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka