The police have arrested 35 persons masquerading as close associates of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family and taking money from the gullible public promising jobs, promotions and a range of other benefits.

DIG Anura Senanayake told The Island that they had so far received about 50 complaints.

He said that anyone who had been duped by the suspects could get in touch with him on 011-2441197.

Among the suspects were a couple, who allegedly duped youth to the tune of about Rs 5 million promising them jobs, DIG Senanayake said. According to him, the suspects had claimed they could find them overseas jobs due to their close friendship with Minister Basil Rajapaksa. They had collected Rs. 650,000 each from youth, the police official said, adding that investigators found over Rs. 5 million in the suspects’ accounts.

The police have also arrested a person, who had allegedly collected Rs. 150,000 each from several youth claiming his close contacts with First Lady Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa.