Sending Sri Lankans to Russia-Ukraine war : Retired top army officer arrested over scam

April 18, 2024 at 12:43 PM

Two persons, including a retired Sri Lanka Army Major, have been apprehended over a financial scam promising jobs in the Russian Military.

According to the Police, the two men were arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today. 

They were apprehended for fraudulently obtaining money from individuals on the promise of sending them for employment in the Russian army. 

The arrests come against the backdrop of reports in the recent past of several Sri Lankans fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine.

Three Sri Lankans were also reported killed while fighting for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion last year.

In March this year, international media Al Jazeera reported that hundreds of Sri Lankans are now serving with the Russian military in Ukraine.

Several Sri Lankans living in Russia told Al Jazeera that most were lured into combat by Russia’s offer of salaries up to $3,000 a month and the prospect of Russian citizenship. (Newswire/ File pic)