A man accused of defrauding more than Rs. 10 million by posing as a representative of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and offering fake job opportunities in Canada has been arrested by special investigation officers of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).
The suspect, a 28-year-old resident of the Kuchchaveli area, is alleged to have targeted young men and women in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province by promising employment at supermarkets in Canada.
The SLBFE said it has received seven formal complaints against the suspect, with victims reporting losses exceeding Rs. 4 million, while investigators believe the total amount defrauded may surpass Rs. 10 million as further complaints emerge.
Authorities stated that several attempts were made to arrest the suspect, but he managed to evade capture and remained in hiding for a period.
He was eventually arrested on May 19 at his residence in the Kuchchaveli area during a joint operation conducted by the Police Special Bureau and the SLBFE Special Investigation Division.
Officials also revealed that multiple related cases involving similar allegations are currently pending before courts in Negombo, Batticaloa, and Avissawella.
The suspect was produced before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court on May 20, where he was remanded until May 26.
The arrest was carried out under the supervision of senior police officials, including the Director of the Central Crime Investigation Division, Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa, along with officers from the SLBFE Special Investigation Unit.
