They are the top Customs bonds division investigators who had investigated the importation of bus spare parts in question, Wasantha Wimalaweera and Upali Wickremasinghe, and a friend of a government minister.

The bribe had been solicited from a company importing Leyland spare parts for the Transport Ministry.

Connection between company & ex-minister

This company is said to be owned by a friend of former transport minister Kumar Welgama.

Customs are investigating allegations that customs duty had not been levied on these spare parts as they had been brought for the Transport Ministry.

The three Customs officers under arrest had threatened the company that a Rs. 1,500 million fine would be imposed for the spare parts imported, and demanded 10 per cent of the sum (Rs. 125 million).

A friend of a minister is said to have mediated in arranging the bribe.

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