198 Foreign Nationals Arrested In 24-Hour Islandwide Crackdown On Cybercrimes

COLOMBO (News 1st);198 foreigners have been arrested , over the past 24 hours, on suspicion of committing computer crimes while residing in Sri Lanka.

Police said that 28 Indian nationals and 5 Nepalese nationals, who were staying at a tourist hotel in Pinwatta, Midigama, were arrested during a night raid carried out yesterday.

Those arrested are between the ages of 25 and 35.

Police said that the individuals were arrested and are being investigated on suspicion of offenses including overstaying without valid visas, engaging in employment while on tourist visas, possession of duty-free cigarettes, and violations under the Computer Crimes Act.

Meanwhile, during a raid conducted at a lodging in Dodanduwa, Hikkaduwa, 35 Indian nationals and 20 Nepalese nationals were arrested on suspicion of committing offenses under the Computer Crimes Act, along with the hotel owner who provided them with accommodation.

Police said that they seized 25 computers, 119 mobile phones, 750,000 rupees , a car, and a jeep along with the suspects. 

The arrested foreign suspects are between the ages of 20 and 48. The hotel owner,43, is a resident of the Dodanduwa area.

Furthermore, during raids conducted in Galwadugoda and Sri Sumedha Mawatha in Galle, 110 Indian nationals staying in two lodgings were arrested on suspicion of committing offenses under the Computer Crimes Act, according to the police. 

Those arrested are between the ages of 19 and 35. 

Police seized 58 computers and 79 mobile phones that were in the possession of the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced an investigation regarding the foreigners arrested in connection with computer crimes.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration stated that foreigners arriving in the country from the home countries of the individuals currently in custody for computer crimes will be subjected to special inspections at the airport.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration further mentioned that a separate investigation is being conducted regarding foreigners currently residing in the country.