37 Chinese Nationals Arrested in Talangama Over Online Fraud

04-May-2026

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Thirty-seven Chinese nationals, including a woman, have been arrested on suspicion of engaging in illegal activities through online platforms.

The arrests were made during a special raid jointly conducted by the Central Anti-Corruption Task Force in Valaana and the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Talangama Police.

During a search operation carried out on May 2 at a rented house in the Koswatta area of Talangama, the authorities recovered 35 desktop computers, 37 laptop computers, 147 mobile phones, 100 SIM cards, and 2,100 illegal cigarettes. The premises, along with all the equipment found, have been sealed by the Police.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that all 37 suspects had arrived in Sri Lanka on three-month tourist visas and were allegedly providing illegal services during their stay.

Further investigations are underway to determine whether the suspects were involved in illegal online money transfers, cyber hacking, or other forms of internet-related crimes.

For further inquiry, the recovered computers and mobile phones have been handed over to the Computer Crimes Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The arrested Chinese nationals have been handed over to the Talangama Police for further legal action and are due to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court.