An unlawful operation involving online transactions has been exposed in Sri Lanka, implicating numerous foreign individuals.
Officials of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have busted this racket after conducting a special operation. Two centres in Negombo were the focal point of the raid, leading to the arrest of 30 foreigners involved in illegal online financial transactions. The senior CID officer revealed the arrested parties hailed from various countries like China, the Philippines, Maldives, Pakistan, India, and Nepal.
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The officer stated that the accused operated the racket largely through social media, specifically targeting Facebook users.
As per official comments, the alleged practice involved promising a sum of Rs 3,000 upon an investment of Rs 5,000, thus tricking individuals into committing a substantial amount of money. A significant quantity of communication devices, suspected for operational use in this racket, have been confiscated from the two locations. Officials deem the possibility of similar fraudulent international acts having been conducted by these individuals as high. The suspects are currently being detained and interrogated, and the investigation is ongoing.
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Previously this year, an online loan scam in Dehiwala led to the arrest of five Chinese individuals and a Sri Lankan. The scam targeted vulnerable social media users amidst the country’s economic crisis. The fraudulent operation had been active since 2021, under the disguise of an investment firm. However, the firm did not facilitate any genuine investments and instead perpetrated online loan schemes through social media advertisements, preying on individuals requiring immediate monetary assistance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What action was taken against the online financial racket?
The illegal operation was exposed during a special raid conducted by the CID officials. The raid targeted two centers in Negombo, where 30 foreign nationals involved in illegal online transactions were arrested. An investigation is currently underway.
What was the modus operandi of the illegal online transaction racket?
The suspects conducted the illegal transaction racket through social media, specifically targeting Facebook users. They promised a return of Rs 3,000 for each investment of Rs 5,000, thereby defrauding individuals of significant sums of money.
What other similar instances have occurred recently?
Earlier this year, an online loan scam in Dehiwala led to the arrest of five Chinese individuals and a Sri Lankan. The scam targeted desperate social media users amid the country’s economic crisis and was active since 2021.
