Sri Lankan authorities have intensified their nationwide crackdown on international cybercrime operations, arresting 198 foreign nationals — including 173 Indian citizens — during coordinated raids conducted in several southern coastal regions of the island nation.

The arrests were carried out in the popular tourist and resort areas of Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Midigama as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected cyber fraud syndicates operating from temporary rented accommodations and tourist hubs. Officials confirmed that the detainees also included 25 Nepali nationals, with most of the accused reportedly aged between 25 and 35 years.

According to law enforcement officials, the operation forms part of a broader campaign launched earlier this year to dismantle transnational cybercrime networks allegedly using Sri Lanka as a temporary operational base. Investigators believe several of these groups were involved in digital fraud, online financial scams, and illegal cyber-related activities targeting victims in multiple countries.

Authorities stated that many of those detained had entered Sri Lanka on tourist visas but were allegedly engaged in unauthorized employment and organized cyber operations. Police officials further alleged that some of the suspects were found in possession of duty-free imported cigarettes and electronic devices believed to be connected to cyber fraud activities. 

The latest operation comes amid a sharp rise in cybercrime-related arrests involving foreign nationals across Sri Lanka in 2026. Over the past several months, Sri Lankan police have conducted multiple raids in Colombo suburbs and coastal regions, uncovering organized groups allegedly running sophisticated online scam networks from rented apartments, villas, and guesthouses.

Just days before the latest arrests, Sri Lankan authorities detained more than 250 Chinese and Vietnamese nationals in separate cybercrime investigations. Officials said these groups were suspected of operating large-scale cyberscam and digital fraud centers that targeted victims internationally through online communication platforms and financial manipulation schemes.

Police spokespersons indicated that foreign-led cybercrime syndicates have increasingly exploited temporary visa arrangements and tourist accommodations to establish operational hubs within the country. Law enforcement agencies have now urged landlords, property owners, and hotel operators to provide information about foreign tenants and visitors in an effort to strengthen national security monitoring and disrupt illegal cyber activities.

Sri Lankan authorities have also expressed growing concern over the rapid expansion of cross-border digital fraud networks operating in South Asia. Officials believe many of the syndicates are interconnected and function through international recruitment systems, encrypted communication channels, and remote financial transaction mechanisms.

Investigators are currently examining electronic devices, financial records, and communication data seized during the raids. Several suspects may face charges related to visa violations, cyber fraud, illegal employment, and financial crimes under Sri Lankan law.

The crackdown highlights increasing regional cooperation and law enforcement focus on combating cyber-enabled financial crimes, which have emerged as a major security challenge across Asia. Authorities in Sri Lanka have reiterated that further raids and surveillance operations will continue in areas suspected of harboring organized cybercrime groups.

The arrested individuals are expected to be produced before local courts as investigations continue into the broader international networks allegedly linked to the operations.