Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia
Experts say criminal networks favour Sri Lanka due to ease of getting tourist visas and limited regulation on sim cards and internet connections Experts have warned that Sri Lanka is emerging as a hub for transnational cybercrime, after a crackdown in south-east Asia pushed Chinese-run criminal networks to relocate their vast scam operations. Sri Lankan police spokesperson Fredrick Wootler said the country was witnessing an “alarming increase of cybercrimes” perpetrated by people entering the co
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Prison guards escort detained Chinese nationals suspected of running scam centres in Sri Lanka. Photograph: Ishara S Kodikara/AFPView image in fullscreenPrison guards escort detained Chinese nationals suspected of running scam centres in Sri Lanka. Photograph: Ishara S Kodikara/AFPSri LankaSri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia Experts say criminal networks favour Sri Lanka due to ease of getting tourist visas and limited regulation on sim cards and internet connectionsHannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi and Aanya Wipulasena in ColomboMon 15 Jun 2026 20.27 EDTLast modified on Mon 15 Jun 2026 20.29 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleExperts have warned that Sri Lanka is emerging as a hub for transnational cybercrime, after a crackdown in…
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