Govt. on alert over rising crimes involving foreign nationals

Colombo, July 25 (Daily Mirror) - The government is on high alert over an increasing number of crimes involving foreign nationals across Sri Lanka, following a recent abduction and murder of a Chinese national linked to a suspected rivalry between Chinese groups in Colombo.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala told the Daily Mirror that authorities are paying special attention to recent incidents involving foreign nationals and that strict actions are being taken under existing laws.

The Deputy Minister said Sri Lankan authorities remain on high alert following a rise in transnational cybercrime, illegal business operations, and other criminal activities involving foreign nationals.

He made these remarks following a recent crime involving Chinese nationals that resulted in the death of a Chinese citizen. The incident unfolded on Thursday within the high-security Colombo Port City.

The latest case has drawn attention to increasing tensions among foreign groups, with police investigating whether the abduction and murder of a foreign national was connected to a dispute involving cryptocurrency-related activities.

According to police, three Chinese nationals who had arrived at Colombo Port City in a rented cab were ambushed while fishing near the suspension bridge between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Thursday by around 20 attackers who arrived in a black van. The assailants allegedly threatened them with pistols, tied and blindfolded them, and assaulted them before taking two victims in the van and the third in another vehicle.

The two victims were later abandoned in the van at a Port City parking area, where they freed themselves and reported the incident to Colombo Harbour Police. They were admitted to a private hospital. Hours later, the third victim was found dead in a forested area in Eheliyagoda with severe injuries. Police said the body had been bound, blindfolded, and concealed under stones, and was later identified by the survivors as their missing companion.

During the investigation, police recovered a Glock 44 semi-automatic pistol, a loaded magazine, and a VVK walkie-talkie from the abandoned van. Two Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in the crime were arrested near Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while allegedly attempting to flee the country.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said that police suspect that the incident stemmed from a financial dispute between two Chinese groups operating in Sri Lanka. However, he ruled out the involvement of any Sri Lankan nationals in the crime.

He said that two police teams have been deployed to continue investigations and arrest the remaining suspects involved in the attack.

Meanwhile, following the incident, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said it is closely monitoring the investigation and has urged the Sri Lanka Police to conduct a thorough inquiry, establish the facts as quickly as possible, and safeguard the safety and lawful rights of Chinese citizens in Sri Lanka.

The Embassy also advised Chinese nationals residing in or visiting Sri Lanka to remain vigilant, strengthen their personal safety awareness, promptly report emergencies to the police, and contact the Embassy for consular assistance when necessary.

The incident comes amid increasing concerns about foreign nationals engaging in online financial fraud and telecommunications scam operations while staying in Sri Lanka on tourist visas.

Responding to concerns over visa approvals for foreigners allegedly engaged in illegal activities, Deputy Minister Watagala said the Chinese Embassy in Colombo and Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration are closely monitoring the issuance of visas for Chinese nationals travelling to Sri Lanka.

He also said that the Chinese Embassy has, on several occasions, alerted the Sri Lankan government about specific Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities in the country and requested that appropriate action be taken against them.