Top Official Remanded in Growing Vehicle Registration Scam

 “Tip of the Iceberg,” Say Investigators

 A major scandal is unfolding at Maladewa’s Department of Motor Traffic, with former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe and two others remanded in custody until July 8. The trio was arrested in connection with a growing investigation into illegal vehicle registrations, raising serious concerns about corruption within the state institution.

The order to remand the suspects was issued by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court earlier today.

What’s the case about?

According to investigators, this case revolves around fraudulent registration of vehicles — some without proper documentation, and others possibly smuggled or stolen. Sources say that dozens, if not hundreds, of such registrations may have been processed through backdoor channels.

The illegal activity is believed to have been happening over a long period of time, involving internal manipulation of systems and abuse of official authority. Arrests so far are linked to a bigger network that may include current and former department staff, brokers, and possibly private individuals who knowingly bought vehicles through these channels.

Why does this matter?

The Motor Traffic Department is responsible for keeping road transport legal and safe — handling everything from vehicle registration to driver licensing. Allegations of such serious wrongdoing directly threaten public trust in a key government institution.

“This is only the tip of the iceberg,” a senior police official said off the record. “More arrests are likely. The financial damage and public risk caused by these illegal registrations are still being assessed.”

Background: Longstanding concerns

This is not the first time the Department of Motor Traffic has come under scrutiny. Over the years, there have been multiple complaints of delays, inefficiency, and corruption — from bribes for faster service to fake licenses. However, this is one of the biggest and most high-profile investigations yet to reach the top of the department’s leadership.

What happens next?

Authorities say they are now working to:

Identify all illegally registered vehicles

Track down other officials and outside parties involved

Review internal systems at the department to prevent future abuse

Meanwhile, the public is being urged to check the authenticity of their vehicle documents through official channels. More updates from the investigation are expected in the coming days.

As the inquiry deepens, this case could become a landmark test of accountability in Maladewa’s public service sector.