A Sri Lankan national has been arrested in connection with a scam involving students seeking higher education opportunities in international universities.

Zeed International, which took money from students, is registered under Abdulla Imad Ismail's name. He works at the Cricket Board office in Male'. Some reports suggest the company was operating at the Cricket Board office.

"Three children in my family paid USD 30,000. The company said they would get placements. But when they went to study, they found out that there was no placement. And the company is not returning the money," one man said.

Parents went to the company's office on Monday to demand their money be returned. The Sri Lankan national was arrested after the commotion at the office. Abdulla Imad was also summoned to the police for questioning.

Adhadhu tried to contact the phone number listed on the company's website. But the company could not be reached for comment. Police have not yet released any information about the matter.

Zeed International advertises itself as a company specialising in higher education, tourism and business consultancy. The company operates in Sri Lanka, Oman and the Maldives.

The company charges students for placement as well as first-semester course fees. The company also helps arrange visas.