Scamming 0f Cancer Patients: Two Suspects Remanded

 

Two suspects accused of fraudulently obtaining by the public to cancer patients' bank accounts have been remanded until March 17 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali.

The suspects, identified as Rasika Damayanthi and Malith Bhashana, are relatives residing in Kaduwela. They were arrested based on a complaint filed by Thanuja Malkanthi, a resident of Nellopitiya, with the Cyber Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

According to investigators, some cancer patients had published newspaper advertisements requesting financial assistance for their treatment. The suspects allegedly contacted the patients using the phone numbers provided in these ads, obtained their personal information and bank account details under the guise of making donations, and then misused this information for fraudulent activities.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects used these details to acquire SIM cards from mobile service providers in the patients' names. They then accessed the bank accounts of cancer patients and illegally transferred funds meant for their treatment.

Authorities also discovered that the suspects used multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, and other documents to carry out the fraudulent scheme. Several mobile devices, SIM cards, and bank cards have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

The incident has sparked widespread public outrage, as it exploits the vulnerability of cancer patients for financial gain. Social activists warn that such fraudulent activities may discourage genuine donations, ultimately affecting those who truly need financial assistance for medical treatment.

Given the seriousness of the case, the court ordered the suspects to remain in custody until March 17 while further investigations continue.