SriLanka, July 5 -- An investigation has been launched into several senior officials of the Department of Immigration and Emigration over allegations that they maintained close contacts with organised crime suspects, including Mandinu Padmasiri, also known as "Kehelbaddara Padme".

Reliable sources said some of the officials were already under scrutiny in connection with alleged links to Chinese cybercrime networks operating in Sri Lanka and overseas. The latest probe was initiated after investigators uncovered fresh information during an inquiry into suspected connections with international cybercriminal activity.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, evidence obtained during the earlier probe raised concerns about pos...