Government officer arrested over alleged online business scam

An officer from the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (ARTI) has been arrested by the Computer Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly defrauding an individual of Rs. 542,877 through a fraudulent online business scheme.

The suspect, a 27-year-old officer residing in Ampara, was apprehended this afternoon (October 3) by the CID's North Western Provincial Sub-Unit.

Investigating officers revealed that the suspect persuaded a victim to deposit money into several bank accounts, claiming it was for an online business that could generate income.

Allegedly, the victim subsequently transferred Rs. 542,877, out of which the suspect fraudulently withdrew and misappropriated Rs. 214,000.

Further investigations are currently underway.