198 foreign nationals arrested in Southern Province over cybercrimes

May 12, Galle (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lankan police have arrested 198 foreign nationals across three locations in the Southern Province on suspicion of involvement in organized cybercrime. The raids took place in Midigama, Hikkaduwa, and Galle, targeting groups allegedly operating digital fraud centers. According to the police, the suspects are primarily of South Asian origin, including 173 Indian nationals and 25 Nepalese nationals.

The largest concentration of arrests occurred in Galle, where 110 Indian nationals were taken into custody from two separate lodgings. In Hikkaduwa, police arrested 35 Indians and 20 Nepalese nationals during a raid at a lodging in Dodanduwa. The 43-year-old hotel owner who provided them with accommodation was also arrested. During this operation, police seized 25 computers, 119 mobile phones, and approximately Rs 750,000 in cash, along with two vehicles.

In a separate operation on May 11, Midigama police raided a tourist hotel in the Pinwatta area and arrested 33 individuals. This group consisted of 28 Indians and 5 Nepalese nationals, all aged between 25 and 35. Across all locations, police recovered a total of 83 computers and 198 mobile phones, which are currently undergoing forensic examination by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The suspects are to be charged with violations of the Computer Crimes Act, staying in Sri Lanka without valid visas, and engaging in employment while on tourist visas. 

Police said that some individuals were also found in possession of illegally imported duty-free cigarettes.