Information has emerged indicating that organized criminal groups are using a method that allows them to make calls from mobile phones while displaying a false telephone number to the recipient.The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the practice.The method first came to light following the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. It was first referred to in a letter dated 20 May 2019 sent by Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Lalith Pathinayake under the heading “Facts Revealed Regarding Suspects Connected to the 21 April 2019 Attacks”.

According to the letter, individuals linked to the attacks had made calls from 39 telephone numbers that were displayed using false caller identification details. Further information regarding the practice has reportedly surfaced during investigations involving former Director of the State Intelligence Service Suresh Salley.

According to a statement given to the CID by an intelligence operative linked to Army Intelligence, it was not possible to return calls to the telephone numbers associated with calls allegedly made by Salley.