The Sooriyawewa youth who swindled money by sending messages through the Telegram app has been arrested.

Security forces have succeeded in apprehending a 26-year-old man on October 20, who was involved in a large-scale online financial scam operating through the Telegram app, luring people with the dream of earning vast wealth in a short period.

The suspect, a resident of the Suriyawewa area, was arrested by the North Western Provincial Unit of the Computer Crime Investigation Division. Police investigations have revealed that this organized racket was launched by approaching various individuals through the Telegram platform, creating a false belief that large profits could be made through online businesses in a very short period.

According to a received complaint, initial investigations indicate that the financial value of this racket is Rs. 1,357,220, and it has now been confirmed that the suspect subtly transferred Rs. 151,000 from this financial fraud to his personal bank account.

The suspect was arrested under charges of direct involvement and aiding and abetting this financial irregularity. The North Western Provincial Unit of the Computer Crime Investigation Division has intensified further legal and technical investigations to uncover other parties involved in this organized racket and their network connections.

Authorities point out that such sophisticated financial scams, carried out through social media by misusing digital technology, are rapidly increasing at present. Therefore, security forces further urge the public to be extremely cautious and vigilant regarding unsecured investment opportunities and suspicious financial transactions introduced online without any basis.