The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court yesterday (6th) that their ongoing investigation has uncovered evidence of a Rs. 6.57 million fraud committed by Thisara Iroshana Nanayakkara, brother of former Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara. The suspect allegedly deceived victims by promising lucrative foreign employment opportunities.
The case was taken up before Gampaha Magistrate Shilani Perera. However, the suspect was not produced before the court as he had been taken to the Galle Magistrate’s Court in connection with a separate case.
Chief Inspector Mahinda Jayasundara, Officer-in-Charge of the Financial and Commercial Crimes Investigation Division of the CID, submitted a detailed report outlining the progress of the investigation. According to the report, the CID has received an overwhelming number of complaints against the suspect, making it challenging to document all statements promptly. To date, 37 complaints have been filed, indicating the suspect orchestrated a scam targeting individuals seeking foreign employment in nearly 20 countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Finland, Canada, and Israel.
Preliminary analysis of the complaints suggests the total amount defrauded exceeds Rs. 65.7 million, with government officials emerging as the most affected victims. Given the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, the CID strongly opposed granting bail to the suspect.
During the hearing, Attorney Hastika Devendra, representing the suspect, acknowledged that his client had received money from the complainants. However, he claimed the funds were sent to a woman in Dubai and argued that his client could not fulfill the promised employment opportunities. The defense further stated that the suspect no longer possesses the money in question and pleaded for his release on bail under suitable conditions.
Magistrate Shilani Perera rejected the bail application and ordered the suspect to remain in remand custody until January 17th.
