A major suspected drug trafficker currently in custody, Shiran Basik, has reportedly revealed that he spent a large sum of money on the election campaigns of two prominent opposition politicians, according to sources at the Central Criminal Investigation Bureau.
The exact amount allegedly spent on the election campaigns has not yet been disclosed. However, Basik is reported to have stated that he provided 50 buses and a substantial sum of money for the election campaign of one of the politicians.
Investigators are expected to question the two politicians who allegedly received money from Basik for their election activities, according to investigation sources. One of the politicians is reportedly a representative of the Kalutara area.
Meanwhile, Basik has reportedly disclosed information about five major hotels allegedly belonging to him. The hotels are said to be located along the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia coastal belt.
Basik has also reportedly admitted that the Soul Beach Hotel, which attracted considerable controversy in the past, belongs to him and that he provided the funds for the hotel.
Investigations have further revealed that Basik allegedly invested money in the construction of several luxury apartment complexes in areas including Boralesgamuwa, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Ratmalana and Moratuwa.
According to the information uncovered during the investigations, the businesses were allegedly used to invest and convert money believed to have been earned through a drug trafficking network into legitimate funds.
It has also reportedly been revealed that some of the hotels constructed along the coast were operated under the names of other individuals.
Investigators have further uncovered allegations that hotels were constructed on land belonging to financially disadvantaged coastal landowners using their names, while the businesses were allegedly operated by others.
There are also allegations that hotels and apartment complexes were constructed on state-owned land and subsequently acquired through unlawful means.
Meanwhile, Basik has reportedly identified Alto Dharme, Badovita Asanka and Sando, described as prominent underworld figures and drug traffickers in the Mount Lavinia area, as close associates and claimed that they were also connected to his drug trafficking network.
Note: The above information consists of allegations and claims reportedly made by Shiran Basik and information attributed to investigation sources. The allegations remain subject to further investigation and legal proceedings.
