Sri Lanka Arrests 1,093 Foreign Nationals Linked to Cyber Crime Networks In 2026

COLOMBO (News 1st); As cyber criminals become increasingly sophisticated and online scams continue to claim victims both in Sri Lanka and overseas, authorities have launched an aggressive crackdown targeting foreign nationals allegedly involved in large-scale cyber offences operating from within the country.

The latest details were revealed by Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler, who said cyber crime has emerged as one of the most significant modern security threats, with foreign criminal networks increasingly exploiting digital platforms, social media and online financial systems to target unsuspecting victims.

According to police, the primary objective of the ongoing operation is to protect both Sri Lankan citizens and individuals abroad who have become victims of cyber fraud schemes allegedly orchestrated by foreign nationals operating from Sri Lanka.

Wootler said security authorities, acting under the guidance of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Inspector General of Police, have conducted a series of discussions and coordinated actions aimed at disrupting these networks and preventing online financial crimes.

"You are aware that during recent times, a number of foreign nationals have become involved in cyber crimes and cyber offences. We have taken action to enforce the law against them. Our primary objective is to protect the people of Sri Lanka as well as individuals living overseas who have become victims of cyber crimes carried out by these foreign nationals."

He stressed that authorities are particularly focused on tackling financial fraud conducted through digital platforms and social media channels.

Police figures reveal the scale of the operation.

In 2024 alone, authorities arrested 573 foreign nationals connected to 26 separate incidents linked to cyber crime.

In 2025, a further 26 foreign nationals were arrested in connection with two separate incidents.

So far in 2026, police have arrested 1,093 foreign nationals across 27 different operations, marking a significant escalation in enforcement efforts against alleged cyber crime networks.

The figures indicate that a total of 1,692 foreign nationals have been arrested over the three-year period as Sri Lanka intensifies efforts to shut down cyber fraud operations.

Authorities say the crackdown has not ended with arrests.

According to Wootler, steps have also been taken to remove those arrested from the country through a combination of deportation and repatriation procedures.

"Following these arrests, we have taken all necessary measures to remove these foreign nationals from the country through deportation or repatriation processes."

Police also used the occasion to issue a warning to homeowners, landlords, apartment owners, hotel operators and commercial property managers, noting that some cyber crime operations have allegedly used rented premises as operational bases.

"If you are attempting to lease or rent your homes, apartments, hotels or even commercial properties to foreign nationals, you must pay close attention."

Authorities are urging property owners to properly verify the identities of foreign tenants before entering into rental agreements.

"If a person approaches you seeking accommodation, you must validate their identity, their business registration and other relevant documentation."

Wootler also reminded the public that property owners have a legal obligation to inform the nearest police station regarding foreign guests and tenants.

"Every citizen must notify the nearest police station of the arrival and departure of guests or foreign nationals to whom they are renting or leasing property. You are legally obliged to do so under Article 76 of the Police Ordinance."

The warning comes as law enforcement agencies continue to expand efforts to combat cyber-enabled fraud, online scams and international financial crimes, which have become increasingly difficult to detect due to their cross-border nature and reliance on digital technology.