Maldivian arrested in illegal TV and radio center bust near in Sri Lanka airport

A Maldivian national has been arrested in a raid by Sri Lankan police on an alleged illegal television and radio transmission center operating secretly inside a high-security zone near the Ratmalana International Airport.

Sri Lankan news outlets report that a Maldivian national was among two suspects arrested during a raid by the Mount Lavinia Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau with the assistance of telecommunications authorities.

However, the identity of the Maldivian national allegedly involved in the case remains unclear.

The center in question had allegedly been operating in the Attidiya area under the cover of a travel company.

During the raid, the police seized equipment worth nearly Rs. 50 million (equivalent to MVR 2.33 million), including satellite receivers, satellite dishes, computers, a Starlink unit and other transmission equipment.

According to police, preliminary investigations indicate the operation had allegedly used data from a private telecom provider to download television channels via satellite and illegally redistribute television and radio services to customers in Sri Lanka and overseas.

The case is under further investigation by the Sri Lankan police.