The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) announced the relocation of its Tax Crime Investigation Unit to the 10th floor of the Department, in a move aimed at expanding operations and strengthening enforcement against tax-related crimes.
The Unit, established on January 1, 2025, was formally relocated on August 21 with the participation of Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Mrs. Rukdevi Fernando, senior officials, and IMF Resident Tax Administration Advisor Mr. Gregory Topping.
According to the IRD, the primary mandate of the Unit is to investigate and initiate criminal proceedings on tax-related offenses under Chapter XVIII of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017. Offenses under its scope include deliberate tax evasion, obstructing tax administration, aiding in criminal activities, and other unlawful practices. Prosecution will be carried out by the Attorney General’s Department.
The Department said the Unit will also coordinate with the Attorney General’s Department, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Sri Lanka Customs, and the Excise Department.
Several legal proceedings have already been initiated, and the IRD confirmed that further expansion of the Unit’s activities is planned in the future.
