In a major crackdown, Sri Lankan authorities have apprehended 60 Indian nationals belonging to an online financial scam syndicate. The arrests were made in coordinated raids across Colombo's suburbs and the coastal town of Negombo.
Acting on a complaint from a victim lured into a WhatsApp group promising financial rewards for social media engagement, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) launched a comprehensive investigation. The probe revealed a sophisticated scheme where unsuspecting victims were enticed into making deposits after receiving initial payments.
Simultaneous raids led to the seizure of 135 mobile phones and 57 laptops, providing crucial evidence. In Peradeniya, a father-son duo confessed to assisting the fraudsters. A luxury house raid in Negombo resulted in the initial arrest of 13 suspects and the confiscation of 57 electronic devices.
Subsequent operations in Negombo uncovered international connections to Dubai and Afghanistan, yielding an additional 19 arrests. Victims included local Sri Lankans and foreign nationals, who were defrauded through a combination of financial fraud, illegal betting, and gambling activities.
The arrests highlight the growing prevalence of cybercrimes, with individuals and organized groups exploiting technological advancements to perpetuate fraudulent schemes. Authorities' swift response demonstrates their commitment to combating online financial scams and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
