A 28-year-old man posing as a representative of a non-governmental organization (NGO) and allegedly promising jobs in Canada has been arrested by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) over a large-scale fraud targeting youth in the Eastern Province.
The suspect, a resident of Kuchchaveli, is accused of collecting money from young men and women by claiming he could secure employment opportunities at supermarkets in Canada.
The SLBFE said it had received at least seven complaints against the suspect, involving more than Rs. 4 million in alleged fraud. However, investigators believe the total amount swindled could exceed Rs. 10 million, as more complaints continue to emerge.
Officials said the suspect had evaded arrest on several occasions by going into hiding. He was eventually arrested on May 19 during a joint operation conducted by officers from the Police Special Bureau and the SLBFE’s Special Investigation Unit at a house in the Kuchchaveli area.
The Bureau also revealed that court cases related to similar allegations against the suspect are already pending before the Negombo, Batticaloa and Avissawella courts.
The suspect was produced before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court on May 20 and was remanded until May 26.
The investigation was carried out under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa, Director of the Central Criminal Investigation Division, along with officers from the SLBFE Special Investigation Unit. (Newswire)