Sri Lankan authorities have arrested more than 260 foreign nationals in a sweeping crackdown on large-scale cyber fraud networks operating across the country. The latest arrests include Chinese and Vietnamese suspects linked to organised online scam operations.
The operation highlights growing concerns over international cybercrime groups using South Asia as a base for digital fraud activities targeting victims worldwide.
Police confirmed that 30 additional suspects were arrested in the suburb of Werahera near the capital. This follows a series of coordinated raids across multiple locations in recent days.
Since the weekend, total arrests have reached 261 foreign nationals, making it one of the largest cybercrime crackdowns in the country’s recent history.
Foreign Nationals Used Tourist Visas for Illegal Cyber Fraud Operations
According to Sri Lankan police, many of the arrested suspects had entered the country on tourist visas. Authorities allege that they were illegally employed in organised cyber fraud networks.
Police spokesperson Frederick Wootler stated that several individuals had overstayed their visas. Others were found working without legal permission in suspected scam centres.
The suspects are believed to have been involved in large-scale online fraud schemes. These include cryptocurrency scams, fake investment platforms, and fraudulent romantic relationships targeting victims across multiple countries.
Officials said cybercrime groups are increasingly using sophisticated digital tools to deceive victims and transfer illicit funds across borders.
A Colombo magistrate has ordered forensic analysis of computers, mobile phones, and digital devices seized during the raids. Investigators hope the data will help uncover the full scale of the operation and identify international links.
Large-Scale Raids Uncover Multiple Scam Centres Across Colombo
The crackdown began earlier this week when Sri Lankan authorities raided suspected cyber scam centres in different parts of the capital.
On Sunday, police arrested 157 foreign nationals in initial operations targeting illegal online fraud hubs.
On Wednesday, 74 Vietnamese nationals were taken into custody in the Kollupitiya area of Colombo following another major raid. The court has ordered their detention until May 14.
Police said the suspects involved in the latest arrests are aged between 19 and 39. Most are believed to have exceeded their permitted stay in Sri Lanka.
Authorities also revealed that similar cybercrime operations were uncovered last month, when 152 foreign nationals were arrested at a hotel in the northwest region of the country.
Earlier in March, 135 Chinese nationals were detained for allegedly running another online scam network. Many of them were later deported.
These repeated incidents suggest that Sri Lanka has become a recurring destination for international cybercrime groups.
Global Cybercrime Networks Exploit Visa and Digital Gaps
Investigations indicate that international cyber fraud groups are taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s tourism-friendly visa system and digital infrastructure.
The Chinese Embassy in Colombo previously acknowledged the issue and stated it was working with local authorities to prevent misuse of visas by Chinese nationals involved in scams.
Officials also pointed out that Sri Lanka’s geographic location and telecommunications infrastructure make it attractive to cybercriminal networks.
In 2024, authorities detained more than 400 foreign nationals, including Chinese and Indian suspects, in connection with similar cybercrime centres across the island.
Law enforcement agencies say cybercrime has become a global issue, with fraud networks causing losses worth billions of dollars annually.
These scams often involve cryptocurrency fraud, fake job offers, online investment schemes, and romance-based deception targeting victims worldwide.
Sri Lankan authorities have vowed to continue strict enforcement actions and strengthen digital monitoring systems to prevent the country from being used as a hub for international cyber fraud.
The ongoing crackdown is expected to expand further as investigators trace financial transactions and digital communication networks linked to the arrested suspects.
