SIU seeks Mutual Legal Assistance with Pakistan to arrest fixing accused
View(s):By Ranjith Padmasiri
The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for the Prevention of Sports Related Offences has formally requested the Ministry of Justice and National Integration to seek Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) from the Government of Pakistan, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into a major match-fixing case involving foreign nationals.
The investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act No.24 of 2019, which criminalises match-fixing and related corrupt practices. The probe follows the arrest of Dambulla Thunders owner Tamim Rahman last year, who is currently out on bail and has been indicted before the Colombo High Court.
The MLA request comes in the wake of a court order issued this week for the arrest of Pakistani national Mujeeb ur Rehman, the former team manager of the Dambulla Thunders, over his alleged involvement in the 2024 LPL match-fixing scandal.
Mujeeb failed to appear before the Special Police Unit for Sports Related Corruption, prompting the issuance of the warrant. Investigators allege he had engaged in discussions regarding fixing matches, reportedly with the knowledge of team owner Rahman. The court has also called for a progress report by December 5 as the probe intensifies.
Investigations have identified four suspects linked to the offence, two of whom are Pakistani nationals currently residing in Pakistan. As part of the next phase,
Sri Lankan authorities are seeking to locate the suspects to record their statements and obtain voice samples required for upcoming court proceedings. The move follows guidance issued by the Attorney General.
Acting on this advice, the SIU has prepared a comprehensive questionnaire and supporting documents as part of the draft MLA request, which has now been forwarded for review. The Ministry has been asked to transmit the request to Pakistan’s Central Authority, in line with the provisions of the Mutual Legal Assistance in
criminal matters.
The letter emphasises the importance of Pakistan’s cooperation in advancing the investigation, noting that such assistance would be “greatly appreciated.”