Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia
Sri Lanka is experiencing a surge in cybercrime as transnational criminal networks, previously based in Southeast Asia, relocate to the country. Authorities have conducted multiple raids, arresting hundreds of foreign nationals involved in large-scale scam operations.
Why it matters
The shift highlights how criminal organizations exploit regulatory gaps and visa policies in developing nations to conduct global fraud.
Prison guards escort detained Chinese nationals suspected of running scam centres in Sri Lanka. Photograph: Ishara S Kodikara/AFP View image in fullscreen Prison guards escort detained Chinese nationals suspected of running scam centres in Sri Lanka. Photograph: Ishara S Kodikara/AFP Sri Lanka Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia Experts say criminal networks favour Sri Lanka due to ease of getting tourist visas and limited regulation on sim cards and internet connections
The report relies on police statements and documented evidence of raids to describe the situation.
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