The arrest follows an investigation launched on the instructions of SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe, after receiving information about a fraudulent scheme targeting job seekers. The suspect had reportedly attempted to recruit youths through Members of Parliament by sending letters claiming that a programme to provide jobs in South Korea was being jointly organised by the Bureau and the International Lions Club.
Investigations revealed that an introductory programme had been held on March 28 at the Kuro Higher Education Hall near Rahula Junction in Matara. During the event, participants were informed that they would be directed to government-provided jobs in South Korea after completing language training. A registration fee of Rs. 20,000 was allegedly charged, while attendees were promised a Rs. 35,000 voucher, purportedly from the International Lions Club, to study the Korean language.
Acting on this information, SLBFE officers arrested the suspect—a 49-year-old resident of Galle, who is reportedly employed as a journalist—in the Matara area on the same day.
Further investigations uncovered that the suspect had been operating a language training centre named “Akasuki Lanka” in Galle and had referred trainees from the centre to the fraudulent programme. Authorities also confirmed that the International Lions Club has no involvement in the scheme. It was further revealed that the suspect had previously been linked to similar fraudulent activities involving job opportunities in Japan.
The SLBFE emphasised that the official South Korean employment programme operates strictly as a government-to-government initiative and does not collaborate with any external organisations. The Bureau has urged the public not to provide money or personal information to unauthorised individuals or entities promising foreign employment.
The suspect was produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court on March 28 and has been remanded until April 7.
