Sri Lanka sees rise in online gambling scam networks after Southeast Asia crackdown
Authorities have arrested more than 1,000 foreign nationals linked to cybercrime this year.
Sri Lanka.- Authorities in Sri Lanka are concerned that scam gambling operations are relocating to the country after crackdowns in Cambodia and Myanmar. Police said more than 1,000 people, mainly from China, Vietnam and India, have been arrested in 2026 so far for alleged involvement in cybercrime operations. That compares to 430 arrests recorded during all of 2024.
Police spokesman Fredrick Wootler said Sri Lankan authorities are receiving daily reports related to suspected scam activity. Victims have been identified in countries including India, Vietnam and the Philippines, while concerns are growing that Sri Lankan citizens could become targets as well.
While many of the operations initially targeted Chinese-speaking users, authorities say the networks have expanded into multiple languages and markets. They allegedly use fake betting websites, cryptocurrency schemes and romance scams to target victims across Asia. Authorities say Sri Lanka has become attractive to criminal groups due to its relaxed visa system and reliable internet infrastructure.
