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FCID probes Rs 2.2 billion fraud at Foreign Employment Bureau
The FCID is investigating a complaint lodged against a large scale fraud at the Foreign Employment Bureau (FEB), leading to losses of around Rs 2.2 billion, with the former Minister in charge of the subject claiming the probe was politically motivated.
The misappropriation of funds came to light after the new government took office and ordered an audit inquiry. The Auditor General’s Dept had submitted an 80-page report which has been handed over to the FCID for further investigation.
Police are probing 17 separate instances which led to the losses .These include forging of documents, misappropriation of large amounts of funds, violation of finance laws etc.
In one case, ‘Walks’ had been held in Colombo, Gampaha and Hambantota to promote foreign employment, with Rs 9.1 million spent to provide T-shirts, food and drinks to the participants. However, there was no breakdown on how such a massive amount was spent. It has also come to light that, of this amount, Rs 2 million had been given to the Siriliya Saviya Foundation via the Dilan Perera Foundation. Mr Perera was the Minister of Foreign Employment at the time.
The FCID filed a ‘B’ report in the Kadulwela Magistrate’s Court this week and sought an order to obtain details of Dilan Perera Foundation’s finances, as well as a statement from the former minister. Mr Perera however, denied all allegations of wrongdoing and said he is willing to give a statement at any time.
“This is politically motivated, as I challenged the government on the Bond issue scam,” he said. Minister of Public Order, John Amaratunga said the former minister would be investigated for fraud, and if there was sufficient evidence, he would be taken into custody. An admistrative officer of the FEB is suspected to be involved in the scam too.