Sri Lanka seeks six suspects in Chinese national's murder linked to cybercrimes
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Sri Lankan police are seeking six individuals in connection with the murder of a Chinese national suspected of involvement in cybercrime scams.
- Authorities have arrested approximately 700 foreign nationals this year, including Indians, Chinese, Nepalis, and Vietnamese, for alleged ties to transnational fraud networks.
- Two Chinese nationals linked to the murder have been arrested, while three suspects believed to be in Sri Lanka face a travel ban, and three others who left the country are being traced with Interpol's assistance.
Sri Lankan police are intensifying efforts to dismantle cybercrime centers linked to transnational fraud networks, recently seeking six individuals in connection with the murder of a Chinese national. This crackdown has led to the arrest of around 700 foreign nationals this year, a near doubling of last year's figure, from various locations across the island.
Authorities suspect the victim was part of a larger group of Chinese nationals involved in computer-related scams. The body was discovered a week prior in Eheliyagoda, approximately 60 km from the capital. Police spokesman Frederick Wootler stated that three suspects connected to the murder are believed to be in Sri Lanka and have been placed under a travel ban. Additionally, three suspects who have already left the country are being sought with Interpol's support.
Three suspects linked to the murder are believed to be in Sri Lanka and we have imposed a travel ban on them.
Two Chinese nationals have been apprehended in connection with the murder and are scheduled to appear in court on August 4. Nationwide raids have uncovered hundreds of mobile phones, laptops, and desktop computers, reinforcing the suspicion of ties to cybercrime networks. Many of those arrested have faced deportation for visa violations or for working on tourist visas.
Three suspects who managed to leave the country are being traced with support from Interpol.
Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.