News
Celebrity scam worth Rs 3b and counting
View(s):By S Rubathesen
A businesswoman who is facing multiple allegations of financial fraud is suspected to have cheated more than Rs 3 billion so far, from a diverse range of victims including businesspeople, politicians, and professionals.
Thilini Priyamali, chief executive officer of Thico Group of Companies (Pvt), who is now in custody, is alleged to have tempted her victims to hand over millions of US dollars to fund private imports of fuel to Sri Lanka. She had promised tempting returns. But, now, many are said to be holding dud cheques.
The fraud unraveled early this month.
-
- Thilini Priyamali faces multiple allegations of financial fraud.
Attention has also been drawn to a few Buddhist monks, some of whom have gained political notoriety.
At least 11 police complaints alleging fraud of Rs 3.26 billion against Ms Priyamali are being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department.
She was remanded till October 19 by Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.
Among the victims are a businessman and a medical doctor who deposited Rs 225 million and Rs 750 million respectively, with the suspect.
“Two of the complaints were filed from Negombo and Kadawatha. Police are investigating how she was able to collect this amount of money and what happened to the funds. We encourage affected parties to come forward and file complaints,” the police media spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police Nihal Thalduwa told the Sunday Times.
According to initial investigations, apart from raising forex for fuel imports, Ms Priyamali reportedly ran a kerb money exchange syndicate offering US dollars below the market rate of Rs 140 when the official exchange rate was Rs 180, before the rupee collapsed.
On Wednesday, the police escorted her without handcuffs to her head office on the 34th floor of the World Trade Centre.
On Monday, prison officials found a mobile phone inside her remand cell at Welikada. At a prison tribunal inquiry on Wednesday, she pleaded not guilty to possessing a mobile phone while in custody.
A police officer familiar with the investigations said the suspect combined the scam with well-crafted public relations campaigns by inviting top officials and influential figures in the Government to charity events organised by her entity to convince potential clients.
“Photographs with members of the former ruling family, politicians including (Buddhist) monks were used extensively to give false assurances to her clients. A particular monk who claimed to have the power of speaking with dead spirits of the relatives of potential clients was a key part of this fraud scheme,” he said.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!