SriLankan Airlines has issued a clarification regarding two separate incidents involving fraudulent financial transactions linked to its operations in the UAE and India, stating that investigations are underway in multiple jurisdictions.
In a statement issued on Friday, the airline said one incident involved an erroneous payment of AED 974,000 made after a Dubai-based service provider’s email account was compromised by a third party.
According to SriLankan Airlines, the service provider later informed the airline that it had not received the payment. Investigations found that a third party had gained access to the provider’s email account, altered bank account details and supplied supporting documents through official communication channels, misleading the airline into believing it was dealing with the legitimate company.
The airline said immediate steps were taken to prevent further payments and complaints were lodged with authorities in the UAE as well as Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Investigations are ongoing in both countries.
SriLankan Airlines also stated that the issue originated from a compromise of the service provider’s email system, which it said was outside the airline’s control.
Separately, the airline disclosed alleged financial misconduct at its Chennai office in India involving several employees from the finance department.
According to the statement, the employees, all Indian nationals, are alleged to have misappropriated INR 22 million over a period of time by fraudulently altering invoices, payment details and signatures.
The airline said its Head Office in Colombo detected unusual payments and launched an internal investigation. Following the inquiry, the employees concerned reportedly stopped reporting to work, while further action was initiated.
The matter has now been referred to Indian law enforcement authorities, with investigations ongoing and efforts underway to recover the losses. (Newswire)