According to Newswire from Sri Lanka: A gang suspected of online financial fraud was arrested in the Kandy area, involving 120 Chinese citizens. A police spokesperson stated that 15 computers and 300 mobile phones were seized from 47 rooms in a luxury villa in Kundasale, believed to be used for committing online fraud.
This operation is part of Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, which has become an increasingly serious issue in the country. This week alone, 5 criminal hideouts were dismantled, and nearly 200 foreigners were arrested.
On October 6, 30 Chinese, 4 Indians, and 6 Thais were arrested at two locations in Hanwella.
On October 7, 19 Chinese were arrested in Nawala.
On October 10, 20 Chinese were arrested in Panadura.
On October 13, 120 Chinese were arrested in Kundasale.
Police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa stated: When foreigners or Sri Lankans rent properties, whether hotels or villas, and pay high rents for long periods, caution is advised. Assisting in financial crimes is a serious offense. Landlords need to include specific clauses in agreements with tenants, urging property owners to pay special attention and to regularly check what the tenants are doing. Thalduwa emphasized that this is organized crime involving Sri Lankans. Once the criminals receive online payments, they quickly convert the money into cryptocurrencies and transfer it abroad. Fraudsters use investment and sex trade traps to deceive victims out of their money.
Recently, there has been an increase in financial crime cases in Sri Lanka. Reports indicate that over the past four months, police have arrested more than 80 foreigners suspected of engaging in online financial fraud in the country. Professionals say that some Sri Lankans have a low level of financial literacy, making them easy targets for "high return investment" scams.
