The Met’s War Crimes team are appealing for information as part of an ongoing investigation into a murder committed in Sri Lanka more than 20 years ago.
Officers from the War Crimes Team – part of the Counter Terrorism Command – arrested a 48-year-old man at an address in Northamptonshire on Tuesday, 22 February as part of a proactive operation.
He was arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 51 of the International Criminal Court Act 2001. He was taken into custody, and has since been released under investigation.
The arrest relates to the murder of journalist Mylvaganam Nimalarajan who was killed in 2000.
Mr Nimalarajan’s family have been informed of this development, and they are being supported by specialist officers.
Enquiries continue, and officers are eager to hear from anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation – particularly members of the Sri Lankan community who emigrated to, and now reside in, the UK.
Commander Richard Smith, who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This is a significant update in what is a sensitive, complex investigation.
“There will still be people who may have information, particularly in relation to the murder of Mr Nimalarajan, and we would urge those people to come forward and help achieve justice for Mr Nimalarajan’s family.”
The Met Police War Crimes Unit sits within the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command. It is committed to investigating and bringing to justice anyone who may fall under the UK’s jurisdiction and who is suspected of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide or torture anywhere in the world. This approach directly supports the UK Government’s ‘no safe haven’ policy.
Such investigations often require enquiries to be made overseas and evidence to be secured from abroad, so they can be very complex and lengthy.
All allegations of war crimes referred to the War Crimes Team are considered, assessed and dealt with in line with the War Crimes/Crimes Against Humanity referral guidelines, which are jointly agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The War Crimes Team is part of the UK War Crimes Network, which is comprised of a number of key bodies, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Crown Prosecution Service and other government and non-government organisations, all working together to ensure the UK is not a safe haven for war criminals.