218 foreigners arrested for online financial fraud in Sri Lanka.
In the past 15 days, Sri Lankan security forces have arrested 218 foreigners on charges related to online financial fraud.
The latest arrests occurred yesterday in the Chilaw area, where 10 foreigners, including Chinese, Malaysians, Ethiopians, and Kenyans, were apprehended at a hotel in Iranawila,
Halawata. Foreigners involved in financial fraud have been arrested across the island. On 6th of October, police arrested 40 foreigners from a hotel in Gampaha and a private institution in Hanwella.
On 7th of October, 19 Chinese nationals were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department in Nawala. On 9th of October, 20 Chinese nationals were apprehended at a hotel in Gorakana, Panadura, and on 12th of October, 129 Chinese nationals were arrested in Kandy for defrauding billions of rupees.
These scams mirror operations seen in Myanmar and Thailand. The Chinese Embassy has pledged support for law enforcement regarding
these incidents. In the case of the suspects arrested in Chilaw, it was revealed in court that they had been staying at the hotel since 1st of August paying 1.9 million rupees per month.
Two Sri Lankans are suspected of involvement, and their role is under investigation. Computers and phones seized during the arrests have been sent to Moratuwa University for analysis.
The Chilaw Magistrate’s Court ordered
the suspects to remain in custody for 30 days
