A shocking scam targeting war refugees has been uncovered in Finland, where a bogus college promised vulnerable newcomers education and jobs in exchange for hefty fees. The scheme, which operated for over a year, fleeced hundreds of refugees fleeing conflict zones, leaving them destitute and without the support they were promised.
The fake institution, calling itself the 'Nordic Institute of Advanced Studies', offered courses in IT and healthcare, guaranteeing employment upon completion. Victims paid up to €5,000 in fees, often borrowed from family or saved from meagre refugee allowances. But the college had no accreditation, no classrooms, and no staff qualified to teach. When students arrived for classes, they found locked doors and unanswered phones.
One victim, Ahmed, a Syrian refugee who fled the war in 2015, told reporters: 'They promised me a future. I paid everything I had. Now I have nothing.' Police have arrested three individuals linked to the scam, but the money has not been recovered. The Finnish government has pledged to support the victims, but refugee charities say the damage is done.
This is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of those seeking safety. Scammers prey on hope, and in times of crisis, that hope is a currency more valuable than cash. The question now is: how many more will fall victim before regulators step in?
