Post by : Shakul

Sri Lanka police have arrested nearly 200 foreign nationals, including 173 Indians, during a major cybercrime crackdown carried out in the country’s southern coastal regions. Officials said the operation targeted suspected cybercrime activities linked to foreign groups operating from popular tourist destinations in the island nation.

According to police authorities, a total of 198 foreigners were detained during coordinated raids conducted late on May 11 in the resort areas of Galle, Hikkaduwa and Midigama. Among those arrested were 173 Indian nationals and 25 citizens from Nepal. The arrests are part of an ongoing nationwide effort by Sri Lankan authorities to combat international cybercrime networks allegedly operating from temporary rented properties and tourist accommodations.

Sri Lankan investigators believe some of the suspects may have been involved in online fraud, digital financial scams and illegal cyber activities targeting victims across multiple countries. Authorities have not yet released detailed information about the exact nature of the alleged crimes, but officials confirmed that electronic devices, computers and communication equipment were seized during the raids for forensic examination.

The southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka has become a major tourism hub in recent years, attracting foreign visitors, remote workers and international businesses. However, law enforcement agencies say criminal groups have increasingly tried to misuse tourist locations as operational bases for cyber fraud and illegal online activities. Police stated that intelligence inputs and surveillance operations led to the coordinated action against the suspects.

The arrested individuals are expected to face questioning as investigations continue. Sri Lankan authorities are also likely to coordinate with Indian and Nepali diplomatic missions regarding the detained nationals. Immigration records, visa status and financial transactions connected to the suspects are currently being reviewed by investigators as part of the wider probe into suspected international cybercrime links.

The crackdown reflects growing concern among South Asian governments over the rise of organized cybercrime networks operating across borders. Cyber fraud, online scams, digital extortion and illegal call center operations have become major security concerns in the region. Governments are now strengthening cooperation and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to tackle such activities more effectively.

Officials in Sri Lanka have stated that further raids and investigations may continue in other parts of the country if additional links to cybercrime networks are discovered. Authorities have also urged property owners and hotel operators to carefully verify the identity and activities of foreign tenants and guests to prevent misuse of tourist destinations for illegal activities.

#world #Crime #Cybersecurity #Youth Crime #Sri Lanka