Stephen (45), of Arogyapuram in Kanyakumari district, was arrested on the charge of cheating of Sri Lankan refugees by giving false promises of helping them with illegal immigration to Australia by a ferry, here on Friday.
Based on a tip off, it was found that a few Sri Lankan refugees were staying in a house in Ernakulam, Kerala, ready for their illegal immigration to Austraila. During the raid, police found nine persons staying in the house.
Based on the confession given by the refugees, police have arrested Stephen of Arogyapuram. Enquiry revealed that Stephen had received hefty sums from the refugees for the illegal immigration. A ferry owned by Stephen was also seized by the police, sources said. Further investigations are on.
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