Sri Lanka arrests 231 foreigners in latest crackdown on cyberscams

 Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan law enforcement has executed a massive coordinated operation, arresting 231 foreign nationals suspected of operating international cyberscam syndicates from within the country. 

The raids, which concluded on May 7, 2026, targeted several suburban locations around Colombo, including Kaduwela and Rajagiriya. 

The majority of those detained are Chinese and Vietnamese nationals who reportedly entered the island on tourist visas to conduct illegal online activities.

These criminal networks are accused of orchestrating sophisticated global schemes, such as cryptocurrency fraud and "pig butchering" relationship scams, which target victims worldwide. 

During the interventions, police seized an extensive array of digital evidence, including hundreds of mobile phones, SIM cards, and computers used to facilitate the operations. Forensic teams are currently analyzing these devices to trace the movement of illegally obtained funds through various digital platforms.

This latest crackdown is part of a broader national effort to dismantle foreign-led cybercrime hubs, with over 600 arrests made since the start of 2024. 

Sri Lankan authorities have emphasized the importance of public vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious behavior in residential rentals to prevent these syndicates from establishing local bases. 

The government remains committed to strengthening its digital security framework and ensuring the country is not used as a safe haven for international financial criminals.

Photo Credits: AFP