Sri Lankan police have recently arrested over 230 Chinese men who were suspected of targeting international banks in online scams. The arrests were made during police raids that also resulted in the seizure of 250 computers and 500 mobile phones used in the alleged scams. The investigations are still ongoing to determine the total amount that was stolen by these gangs, who primarily targeted foreign banks and financial institutions.
China’s embassy in Colombo has dispatched a team of security officials to work closely with Sri Lankan police in carrying out special operations to combat cybercrime. The embassy stated that a large number of criminal suspects have been arrested and that efforts are being made towards repatriation and other relevant actions. The joint operations have led to the arrests of 126 Chinese men, along with individuals from Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
With its advanced telecommunication infrastructure, Sri Lanka was the first country in South Asia to launch a 5G network in April 2019. This technological advancement may have made the country a target for cybercriminal activities, prompting coordinated efforts between Chinese and Sri Lankan authorities to crack down on such scams. The Chinese embassy noted that their domestic crackdown on cybercriminals may have led some individuals to look for criminal opportunities abroad, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in tackling cybercrime.
The statement from the Chinese embassy expressed readiness to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in combatting cybercrime. This cooperation is essential in addressing the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and safeguarding the integrity of financial institutions and banking systems. The recent arrests of individuals involved in online financial scams highlight the need for enhanced vigilance and coordinated efforts to curb such illegal activities in the region.
In a related development earlier in June, Sri Lankan police apprehended around 200 suspects, primarily of Indian nationality, who were also accused of operating online financial scams. The arrests demonstrate the transnational nature of cybercrime and the interconnectedness of criminal networks operating across borders. Such arrests serve as a warning to cybercriminals that law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring and responding to illicit activities in the digital realm, emphasizing the consequences of engaging in fraudulent schemes.
The coordinated efforts between Chinese and Sri Lankan authorities in combating online financial scams underscore the importance of international cooperation in tackling cybercrime. Through joint operations and information sharing, law enforcement agencies can effectively disrupt criminal networks and safeguard the interests of financial institutions and customers. The arrests of individuals involved in online fraudulent activities serve as a deterrent to potential cybercriminals and reinforce the commitment of authorities to uphold cybersecurity and combat illegal online practices.
