Police have received complaints against a group allegedly impersonating Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and demanding money from shop owners to avoid legal action, Newswire reported.
Investigations have revealed that the suspects — dressed in uniforms resembling those of PHIs — visited shops in Anuradhapura, Eppawala, Thalawa and Thambuttegama, pointed out supposed shortcomings and then solicited payments.
CCTV footage has shown that the uniforms used were similar to those issued to staff of hospital malaria control units, enabling the group to carry out the deception, police said.
Authorities say the group has repeatedly engaged in this fraudulent activity, targeting businesses across several districts. Investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend those involved.
The scam targets a public-facing inspectorate role that has been particularly active this year. PHIs have led an islandwide enforcement push around Vesak dansals and have been the implementing officers behind the 3-day national dengue prevention drive launched on June 8 — both of which have raised the public profile of inspections at small businesses and food premises.
Source: Newswire.
