Sri Lanka Cracks Down on Cyber Fraud, Over 130 Foreign Nationals Arrested in Major Raids

Colombo- More than 130 foreign nationals have been arrested in Sri Lanka as part of an intensified crackdown on cyber fraud networks, with authorities uncovering large-scale operations allegedly targeting victims across borders. The arrests were made over two days during coordinated police raids in suburbs of the capital, Colombo, highlighting the growing concern over the island nation being used as a base for international online scams.

In one such operation in Thalangama, police apprehended 37 Chinese nationals, including a woman, with some individuals found without valid travel documents such as visas and passports. Officials stated that those arrested were between 24 and 44 years of age and were suspected of being involved in organised cybercrime activities.

In a separate raid conducted in Rajagiriya, another suburb of Colombo, authorities detained over 100 individuals from multiple countries, including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Madagascar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia. Police said the group was operating from a rented apartment, allegedly running coordinated online fraud operations.

All suspects have been booked under the Computer Crimes Act, **Sri Lanka’s primary legal framework to combat cybercrime, hacking, and digital fraud. Officials indicated that these arrests are part of a broader effort to dismantle international scam syndicates that exploit digital platforms to defraud victims globally.

Authorities noted that similar crackdowns have been carried out in recent months, including a major operation in April where around 150 foreign nationals were arrested in Chilaw over alleged financial fraud. Investigators believe such networks are often interconnected and operate across multiple countries.

Law enforcement agencies have also pointed out that factors such as connectivity infrastructure and relatively easy visa access may have made **Sri Lanka an attractive location for these cybercrime groups. Investigations are ongoing to identify the wider network and trace links to international syndicates.