Sri Lankan authorities have significantly expanded their cybercrime enforcement drive after arresting 198 foreign nationals in a coordinated operation across the southern coastal towns of Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Midigama on May 11, 2026.
The group included 173 Indian nationals and 25 Nepalese nationals, making it one of the largest single-day arrests involving Indian citizens in Sri Lanka’s ongoing crackdown on digital fraud operations.
Police said those detained, aged between 25 and 35, are facing charges linked to cybercrime activities, visa violations, illegal employment, and possession of duty-free cigarettes beyond permitted limits. Authorities confirmed that the suspects will face prosecution under Sri Lankan law instead of immediate deportation.
The latest operation follows the recent arrest of 250 Chinese nationals in Colombo over similar allegations. Since the beginning of 2026, Sri Lanka has arrested more than 800 foreign nationals connected to suspected cybercrime and online fraud networks operating within the country.
Officials said individuals from India, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, Taiwan, and Nepal have been detained during multiple raids conducted this year. Authorities believe these operations are linked to organised international scam networks using Sri Lanka as a temporary operational base.
In earlier raids, Sri Lankan police seized large quantities of digital devices, including mobile phones, tablets, SIM cards, and computers from suspected cybercrime locations.
Police spokesperson F.U. Wootler stated that offenders would face legal proceedings under Sri Lanka’s Cybercrimes Act before any deportation process is considered. Investigations are being handled by the Cybercrime Unit under the Criminal Investigation Department, supported by digital forensic analysis.
Officials said the country’s broad cybercrime laws allow prosecution even when fraud targets victims located outside Sri Lanka. Authorities also noted that growing global enforcement in countries such as Cambodia has pushed some international scam operations into newer regions, including Sri Lanka.
The large-scale crackdown is now being closely monitored by regional governments and international law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.
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