Sri Lankan police have made a significant arrest of over 230 Chinese men involved in online scams targeting international banks. The raids conducted over the past week led to the seizure of 250 computers and 500 mobile phones used in the alleged scams. The investigation is still ongoing to determine the extent of the stolen funds. The gangs targeted in the raids mainly focused on foreign banks and financial institutions.
The Chinese embassy in Colombo dispatched a group of security officials to collaborate with the Sri Lankan police in carrying out special operations to address the issue. The embassy confirmed that a large number of criminal suspects were arrested and efforts were underway for repatriation and other related work. It is believed that China’s crackdown on cybercriminals within its borders may have resulted in some criminals seeking opportunities abroad, leading to their involvement in online scams targeting international banks.
One of the largest raids conducted by the police resulted in the arrest of 126 Chinese men, along with individuals from Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Sri Lanka’s advanced telecommunication infrastructure, including being the first in South Asia to launch a 5G network, has made it an attractive target for cybercriminals operating online scams. The Chinese embassy expressed readiness to enhance law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka to further address such cybercrime activities.
In a similar incident in June, Sri Lankan police arrested around 200 suspects, predominantly from India, who were also involved in operating online financial scams. These arrests are part of the authorities’ efforts to crack down on cybercrime activities targeting international banks and financial institutions. The collaboration between Chinese security officials and Sri Lankan police is aimed at addressing the issue and preventing such criminal activities in the future.
The ongoing investigation into the online scams targeted at international banks highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. The involvement of individuals from different countries in these organized criminal activities emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to tackle such issues. The prompt action taken by the authorities in apprehending the suspects demonstrates a commitment to maintaining cybersecurity and protecting the financial institutions from fraudulent activities.
As technology continues to advance and cybercriminals become more sophisticated, it is crucial for countries to strengthen their cybersecurity measures and collaborate on a global scale to combat online scams. The arrest of individuals involved in these illegal activities serves as a deterrent and a warning to others looking to engage in similar criminal behavior. By working together, countries can effectively address cybercrime and protect the integrity of the international banking system.
