A major fraud suspect accused of swindling millions of rupees from job seekers across Sri Lanka has been arrested in Yakkala Belummahara, following a targeted police operation based on intelligence. The arrest was carried out by a team led by Acting Officer-in-Charge Chief Inspector Samendra Lakshman of the Yakkala Police Station.
Authorities say the suspect allegedly deceived at least 83 individuals by promising lucrative foreign employment opportunities, collecting over Rs. 50 million in the process. Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid that led to his apprehension. During initial questioning, the suspect attempted to establish his identity using a driving license, but officers quickly grew suspicious about its authenticity.
A subsequent search revealed a fake national identity card concealed in his shirt. Investigators later determined that both the identity card and driving license had been falsified by inserting the suspect’s photograph into documents bearing another person’s details. This discovery raised further concerns about the scale of his fraudulent activities.
Police later confirmed the suspect’s true identity as a 61-year-old resident of Pilikuthtuwa, Buthpitiya in Gampaha. Further background checks revealed that he is also wanted under an open warrant issued by the Marawila Magistrate’s Court in connection with similar fraud involving promises of overseas employment.
Law enforcement officials believe the suspect may be linked to numerous other complaints from across the country involving financial scams tied to foreign job placements. An extensive investigation is now underway to identify additional victims and possible accomplices.
The suspect is due to be produced before the Gampaha Court, where authorities are expected to present the forged identity card and driving license as key evidence in the case.
