18 Chinese Nationals Held Over Online Scam Network

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 18 Chinese nationals over their alleged involvement in cyber crime activities, following a coordinated investigation carried out by the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Bureau.

The suspects were taken into custody during raids conducted in the areas of Kiribathgoda and Kollupitiya.

Police stated that the suspects had been residing in Sri Lanka on one-year visas, staying in apartment complexes while allegedly carrying out their activities.

During the operation, law enforcement officers seized a total of 40 mobile phones from the suspects, which are believed to have been used in the commission of the alleged offences.

According to police, initial investigations indicate that the suspects had been operating from within Sri Lanka while creating fraudulent documents under the names of companies based in the United States, in order to carry out financial scams targeting victims.

Authorities further stated that extensive investigations are currently underway to verify the full extent of the operation.