COLOMBO, Aug 14 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan police have arrested 1,093 foreign nationals in 27 operations linked to cybercrime and financial fraud so far this year as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle organised online scam networks, police spokesperson F.U. Wootler said on Thursday, reported Xinhua.
Speaking at a media briefing, Wootler said cybercrime had become a major security concern, with criminal networks increasingly using digital platforms, social media and online financial systems to target victims in Sri Lanka and overseas.
The figure marks a significant increase from previous years, with 573 foreign nationals in 26 cybercrime-related incidents in 2024 and 26 foreigners in two incidents in 2025, Wootler said.
He said the government launched coordinated operations under the guidance of the Defence Ministry and the Inspector General of police to disrupt such networks and prevent online financial crimes.
Authorities have also taken steps to deport or repatriate foreign nationals arrested in connection with the operations, he said.
Police urged homeowners, landlords, hotel operators and commercial property owners to carefully verify the identities and relevant documents of foreign nationals seeking accommodation.
Wootler said property owners were legally required to notify the nearest police station when foreign nationals arrived at or departed from premises rented or leased to them.
Police said some suspected cybercrime networks had used rented houses, apartments, hotels and commercial properties as operational bases.
-- BERNAMA-XINHUA