Police seek regulatory changes to combat surge in online scams involving foreign nationals

Colombo, October 17 (Daily Mirror)- Following the recent arrests of several foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, involved in online scams, the police are now seeking guidance from relevant authorities including the Attorney General's Department to update laws and regulations.

Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that existing rules must evolve to keep pace with changing criminal tactics.

"The rules concerning online scams should be updated to reflect how crimes are changing," he said.

While the police are currently taking action under the Computer Crimes Act, he said that laws within the act must be strengthened to address modern technological advancements and prevent certain crimes more effectively.

DIG Thalduwa said that there is a rising trend of internet trafficking by foreigners in Sri Lanka.

Over the past few days, more than 300 foreign nationals have been arrested across various parts of the country for their involvement in online scams. Nearly 500 mobile phones and 300 computers have been seized by the police.

In a latest incident, at least 10 foreign nationals, including two women, were arrested by police at a hotel in Chilaw on Tuesday night (15) in connection with alleged involvement in online financial fraud.

Officers from the Puttalam Division Crimes Investigation Bureau conducted the arrests after receiving a tip-off that a group of foreign nationals was staying at a hotel located on Iranavila Road in Chilaw. The suspects arrested include four Malaysian nationals, four Ethiopian nationals including a woman, a Kenyan woman, and a Chinese national. During the raid, police seized 20 computers, 282 mobile phones and three routers from the suspects' possession.

"Criminal charges can be brought against individuals who provide accommodation to those involved in online scams," Thalduwa said, pointing out that such properties are often used as "scam camps," where perpetrators carry out their activities.

The spokesman said that it is virtually impossible for victims of online scams to recover their money.

The spokesman said that laws concerning those who provide apartments or houses for suspects involved in online scams need to be tightened.

“These properties are set up as scam camps, which is a new trend in Sri Lanka. The suspects require spacious, comfortable rooms in isolated locations, where they are not allowed to leave. We’ve seen a similar situation with Sri Lankans trapped in Myanmar. This is becoming a growing concern here as well,” he said.