Facebook Scam Using Photos of Children at Apeksha Hospital

Three members of an organized group have been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over allegations of defrauding large sums of money through Facebook by using photos of children receiving treatment at the Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama.

The arrests were made on the 15th by the Cyber Crimes Investigation Division of the CID. The suspects—aged 25, 29, and 32—are residents of Rakwana and Opanayake areas.

Investigations began following complaints lodged by the parents of the affected children with the Internet Monitoring and Intelligence Unit attached to the Cyber Crimes Division of the CID.

According to police, the suspects had fraudulently obtained photographs of the children. These images had been placed at various religious sites by parents who were praying for their children’s speedy recovery.

The group then used those photos to post emotionally charged messages on Facebook, appealing to the public for financial assistance “for the children’s medical treatment.” They included several bank account numbers in these posts to collect money.

Police investigations have revealed that the group had been engaged in this scam for a considerable period. The arrested suspects are said to be heavily addicted to narcotics. Two smartphones used in the operation were also seized by the police.

Further investigations are underway to arrest other individuals connected to the scam. The three suspects are expected to be produced before court.