Chinese special Unit joins CID in tackling online fraud involving Chinese nationals

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

In response to the surge in online financial fraud involving foreign nationals, including Chinese nationals, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has sought assistance from Chinese Special Criminal Investigation Unit officers for investigative support.  

In recent days, police have arrested several Chinese nationals on charges of online financial fraud in various areas across the country.  

However, investigations were hampered due to the data on the suspects’ laptops and mobile phones being in Chinese, making it difficult for local authorities to proceed.  

To address this issue, with the intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka Police sought assistance from the Chinese Special Criminal Investigation Unit and arranged to provide the necessary support for the investigations.  

As a result, 10 officers from the Chinese Special Criminal Investigation Unit arrived in the country and are now collaborating with the Sri Lankan CID, police said.  

They said an agreement to this effect was reached on Monday, with Deputy Inspector General of CID Rohan Premaratne and CID Director SSP Mangala Dehideniya participating in the event.  

In June 2024, the CID arrested a group of Chinese and Indian nationals for committing financial fraud through online platforms while residing in Sri Lanka. A total of 137 suspects, including 31 Chinese nationals, were arrested.  

During the operations, the police also seized 158 mobile phones, 16 laptops, and 60 desktop computers from some of the suspects.