Beware of fake PHIS

A man posing as a PHI of the Wattala – Mabola Urban Council and demanded a gratification of Rs. 20,000 from a textile merchant at the Hendala Junction to approve trade licence and other permits from the UC was arrested by Wattala Police.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had been carrying on the racket for a long time and that he had cheated several business establishments in this manner and obtained money.

A senior Police officer said an organised group of individuals posing as PHIS were obtaining ransom from traders and that the police had initiated investigations to arrest them.

He warned the traders not to fall prey to the racketeers and inform the police if anyone claiming a PHI demanded a gratification. OIC Wattala police CI Erick Perera is conducting further investigations.