17 Chinese nationals and a Laotian young woman arrested on suspicion of cybercrime

17 Chinese nationals and a young Lao woman have been arrested by the Police Central Criminal Investigation Bureau on suspicion of engaging in large-scale financial fraud using the internet. The police confirm that there is one woman among the arrested Chinese nationals.

These raids were carried out centering on two locations in the Kiribathgoda, Makola area, and Kollupitiya area. A team of officers, including the OIC of the Summons and Warrants Division of the State Intelligence Service, Sub-Inspector Mr. Saliya Ekanayake, launched this special operation, acting on the direct instructions of the Director of the Central Criminal Investigation Bureau, Superintendent of Police Mr. Kamal Ariyawansa.

During the preliminary police investigations, it has been revealed that these suspects, while staying in Sri Lanka, have falsely impersonated government institutions in various states of the United States, including California and Colorado. It has been further revealed that by impersonating these entities, they have misled various individuals and committed these internet financial frauds.

At the time of the raid, a large number of forged official documents resembling those of several states in foreign countries, found in the possession of the suspects, were taken into police custody. In addition, a large number of carbon rubber stamps and computer equipment used to prepare these forged documents were also discovered by the investigating officers. This group of arrested foreigners is scheduled to be produced before the court in due course.