12 Indians Found in Major Cybercrime in Sri Lankan, Arrested
July 3, 2024In a significant operation, authorities in central Sri Lanka arrested 12 Indian nationals suspected of cybercrimes and seized their equipment.
Sri Lankan police have been ramping up their efforts to address the issue of foreigners on tourist visas engaging in illegal activities. This particular group of 12 Indians was caught in Halloluwa, Kandy, which is about 120 km east of Colombo.
The Kandy Crime Investigations Unit seized 22 desktop computers, four laptops, over 50 advanced cellular phones, eleven ATM cards, and various other pieces of equipment during the raid.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had rented the house for Rs 300,000 per month to carry out their clandestine operations. “They are suspected of running an international-level betting business via the internet and other computer-related crimes. An investigation is ongoing,” police stated, according to media reports.
This arrest follows an incident from last week when Sri Lankan police detained at least 200 foreigners, mostly Indians, for their alleged involvement in online financial scams.
Authorities in Sri Lanka have been intensifying their surveillance and actions against foreign nationals who misuse tourist visas for criminal activities. The arrest in Kandy is part of these broader efforts to curb illegal cyber activities.
The confiscated equipment suggests that the suspects were well-equipped and organized. The police believe this network was involved in high-level betting operations and potentially other computer-related offences.
The rented house in Halloluwa served as a base for their illicit activities. Paying Rs 300,000 monthly indicates the scale and profitability of their operations.
This crackdown is a part of Sri Lanka’s broader strategy to secure cyberspace and maintain law and order by targeting both local and international offenders.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the network’s operations and connections. Authorities are likely to trace further leads and possibly make more arrests based on the information gathered.
Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies are working diligently to send a clear message that criminal activities, especially involving foreign nationals, will not be tolerated.
By focusing on high-tech crimes and the misuse of tourist visas, Sri Lanka is taking a firm stand against cybercrime and online fraud. The recent arrests are just one aspect of their comprehensive strategy to combat such threats.
The international betting business that the suspects were allegedly running could have far-reaching implications, affecting not only Sri Lanka but also other countries involved.
The police’s decisive actions demonstrate their commitment to addressing cybercrime, ensuring safety, and protecting the country’s digital infrastructure from exploitation.
Sri Lanka’s proactive approach to dealing with such crimes highlights the importance of international cooperation and stringent enforcement to curb cybercriminal activities.