tech
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
TL;DR
- Sri Lanka is increasingly becoming a destination for transnational cybercrime networks, particularly those originating from China.
- These networks are relocating from Southeast Asia due to increased crackdowns in countries like Cambodia and Myanmar.
- Foreign nationals, primarily Chinese citizens, are entering Sri Lanka on tourist visas to establish large-scale scam operations.
- Sri Lanka's ease of obtaining tourist and digital nomad visas, coupled with limited regulation on sim cards and internet, makes it an attractive location.
- Authorities have carried out multiple raids, arresting and deporting hundreds of foreigners involved in scams ranging from romance scams to crypto fraud.
- The Chinese embassy in Colombo acknowledges the issue and offers support to Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies to combat these crimes.