Police say 41 so far arrested over probe into sexual exploitation of minor over the internet

Police today stated that 41 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the extensive investigation into the incident where a 15-year-old girl was sexually exploited via the internet. 

What originally began with the arrest of a 35-year-old individual by the Mount Lavinia Police on June 7, has now become a massive joint investigation involving multiple police agencies including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police Child & Women Bureau, the Police Narcotics Bureau and the Computer Crimes Investigation Unit. The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the CID and the SDIG - Crimes and Traffic, Police Headquarters said in a statement. 

About 41 suspects have been arrested in connection with the investigation so far and produced before the Colombo Aluthkade No.6 Magistrate's Court. The suspects include those holding various positions in society. The victim's father has also been arrested as it has come to light that he had sexually abused her in 2018, while her mother is also under arrest for aiding and abetting her sexual abuse. 

Police have asked court to ban several websites identified as having been used to sexually exploit victims and the court has inquired about the possibility from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. Police are also looking to identify whether any other websites were used for these crimes. 

Meanwhile, the Attorney General has appointed a team of lawyers headed by an Additional Solicitor General to advice the police from time to time on the investigation. The release stated that it was the aim of the police to speedily conclude the investigation and charge the suspects in court. 

The investigation is still ongoing.