Bogus foreign employment organisation busted

Rasika SOMARATHNA

A bogus foreign employment organisation which used the names of powerful politicians to dupe millions of rupees from innocent foreign job seekers was busted by the investigation arm of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBEF).

While describing this as the biggest crackdown of its kind in recent history, sources said SLBFE sleuths in ambush had finally arrested a member of the organised gang in Borella, while accepting money from a foreign job seeker on Thursday.

In a subsequent operation, the investigating officers had taken into custody the king-pin of the gang from Kelaniya along with 1,871 passports in his possession at the time of the arrest.

This organised gang which swindled money promising lucrative employment opportunities mainly in Israel and some European countries had been in operation for some time earning vast sums of money at the expense of innocent people who were looking for greener pastures abroad.

SLBFE sources said that this organisation did not have any official authority to operate in the capacity of a foreign employment provider and had taken Rs. 600,000 to Rs. 700,000 from some while promising opportunities using the names of powerful politicians including Ministers.

Sources also revealed that a search was on for an accomplice who had impersonated as the co-ordinator of a powerful Government politician in this multi-million rupee scandal.

According to SLBFE sources, the raid took place according to information received by Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who had given prompt orders for a full scale probe.

According to sources the Director of the SLBFE under the direction of Rambukwella has launched further investigations into this massive scam.

The SLBFE yesterday warned foreign job seekers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Bureau immediately. It also said all job seekers could clarify matters pertaining to their foreign employment in view of avoiding complications.

The Public are requested to call on 011 2864101/05 for clarifications.