Controversies Surrounding the 'Reward Money': ACP Lilram Deal Pressured by Testimonies of Former Colleagues

The FCC's investigation into the alleged embezzlement of public funds related to the 'reward money' is tightening around ACP Lilram Deal. Two former police officers under his command provided damning testimonies on Monday.

Already facing charges for money laundering, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Lilram Deal was confronted on Monday with severe testimonies from two ex-members of his team at Réduit Triangle. These former officers, who served under him, claimed they received instructions to carry out bank transactions in the form of 'banker's cheques' to their superior’s personal account. These payments, linked to the 'reward money scheme', were intended to reward police informants.

The first witness, a sergeant assigned to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) as Lilram Deal's driver, was heard by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) on Monday, June 23, in the presence of his lawyer, Roshan Santokhee. He was questioned about trips made to banks in connection with these transactions. A constable who also worked under ACP Deal was heard the same day, assisted by Me Kannen Colunday. Both were able to leave after their hearing.

On his part, ACP Lilram Deal refused to answer certain questions from the FCC, citing "state secrets". He explained that a payment of Rs 2.3 million made to a car dealer at the end of 2024 was intended for the purchase of a Toyota RAV4 on behalf of an informant. However, the FCC suspects this was part of the Rs 4.5 million 'reward money'. Police officers close to the senior officer indicated that ACP Deal regularly used this vehicle, contradicting his account.

The investigation reveals that several requests for 'reward money', submitted to the police commissioner's office between 2019 and 2024, contain anomalies. Informants claim they never received the promised reward, while documents indicate these funds were received by officials from various departments. The FCC is attempting to compile a complete list of beneficiaries.

Suspicion falls on a presumed embezzlement mechanism at the top of the Central Barracks. Investigators are trying to determine whether the two former collaborators of Lilram Deal played a role in this system. The inquiries particularly focus on how Lilram Deal, as head of the CTU, might have received 'reward money' related to drug cases, especially those handled by the anti-drug squad (Adsu), a unit he was not part of. He led the CTU, attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, from 2015 to 2024. One of the cases mentioned is the dismantling of the Gurroby network, which led to the seizure of 244 kilos of drugs, valued at Rs 3.3 billion. The CTU had requested payment for 'reward money' at that time.

Temporarily charged with money laundering under sections 3(1)(b), 6, and 8 of the Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2002, Lilram Deal has been in custody since Friday. The FCC opposed his release on bail. His lawyer, Yash Badhain, filed a motion in this regard, which will be heard on Wednesday, June 25.