Sri Lanka arrests over 260 foreigners in sweeping cyber scam crackdown

Sri Lanka is intensifying its efforts to combat sophisticated cyber scam operations, leading to a significant number of foreign nationals being arrested in recent months. The latest operation saw 30 Chinese and Vietnamese individuals detained, bringing the total number of arrests in this sweep to 261 since the previous weekend. This crackdown highlights the growing problem of transnational crime exploiting the island nation's resources and infrastructure.

Authorities report that many of the arrested individuals entered Sri Lanka on tourist visas but subsequently engaged in illegal employment, operating what are believed to be extensive cyber scam centers. The scale of these operations is considerable, with previous busts in March and May uncovering similar activities. The police have seized computers and mobile phones from these alleged scam centers, and a Colombo magistrate has ordered forensic examinations of this evidence. The age range of the suspects, primarily between 19 and 39, suggests a coordinated effort by organized crime groups.

This crackdown is not isolated; similar operations involving large numbers of Chinese and Indian nationals accused of running cybercrime centers were reported in 2024. Beijing's embassy in Colombo has acknowledged the issue, stating its cooperation with local authorities to prevent its citizens from engaging in such activities. The embassy has pointed to Sri Lanka's telecommunications infrastructure, strategic location, and relatively lenient visa policies as factors that may attract fraud gangs. For Sri Lanka, tackling these operations is crucial not only for maintaining law and order but also for protecting its reputation as a tourist destination and preventing economic disruption.

“

They had entered the country on tourist visas and were illegally employed, while some had overstayed their visas