Chinese workers in Sri Lanka raise concerns about criminal activities

Recently, the Aluthgama police arrested 39 Chinese nationals who were involved in online financial fraud in Sri Lanka. According to police reports, the suspects had illegally obtained millions of dollars from individuals in different countries via the internet over several months.

The group had been residing in a tourist resort located in the Kaluamodara area of Aluthgama, and their arrest was based on complaints received through various embassies. Upon their arrest, the Chinese nationals were found to be in possession of several smartphones and cash, which were seized by the police.

This is the second time this month that Chinese nationals have been detained in another country for online fraud. The authorities must take a proactive approach to tackle this growing issue and prevent it from spreading any further. It is essential to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that such fraudulent activities are eradicated, which can lead to a safer online environment for everyone.

This month marks the second instance of Chinese nationals being arrested in a foreign country for online fraud. In a separate incident, Nepal police apprehended nine Chinese individuals for their suspected involvement in online fraud, three years after arresting 122 Chinese nationals for similar activities in different parts of Kathmandu.

According to the police, this time, they have compelling evidence to pursue an online fraud case against the suspects. The officers in charge revealed that the suspects would make enticing offers to people through WhatsApp and then convince them to join online classes via Telegram.

The police further disclosed that one victim had lost approximately Rs4.7 million in the fraudulent scheme. The Chinese operators reportedly lured the victim with an offer of investing in an online business that would yield over 30 percent net profit.

Such incidents of online fraud are not only a financial burden for victims but also a threat to global cyber security. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness among the public and implement measures to prevent such fraudulent activities. It is also vital for authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators and ensure they are held accountable for their crimes.

The police have reported that while in China, the suspects committed fraud for over two months, defrauding people of millions, before fleeing to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has seen an increase in criminal activities involving Chinese nationals, such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal gambling, some of which have been linked to organized crime syndicates.

The rise in Chinese investment and economic activity in Sri Lanka has resulted in more Chinese nationals living and working in the country. Although most of them are law-abiding citizens, a small minority engage in criminal activities. The Sri Lankan Government has been taking measures to address this issue, making several arrests in recent years.

However, the trend of Chinese criminals being brought to Sri Lanka to work on Chinese-funded projects is concerning, and it raises questions about the relationship between the two countries. Despite the government's efforts to crack down on criminal activities by foreign nationals, it remains a concern that requires continued attention.

Firstly, it is important to note that not all Chinese nationals working on Chinese-funded projects in Sri Lanka are criminals. Many of these individuals are skilled workers who have been brought in to help with construction, engineering, and other projects.

However, there have been reports of Chinese criminals being brought in to work on these projects as well. Some of these individuals have been involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illegal activities.

One reason for this trend may be that Chinese companies are looking for cheap labour to help with their projects. By bringing in Chinese criminals who are willing to work for low wages, these companies can save money on labour costs. However, this practice is not only unethical, but it can also have serious consequences for the safety and security of Sri Lankan citizens.

Another possible reason for the influx of Chinese criminals in Sri Lanka is the close relationship between China and Sri Lanka. China has invested heavily in Sri Lanka in recent years, and the two countries have developed a close economic and political relationship.

However, this relationship may also make it easier for Chinese criminals to enter Sri Lanka and find work on Chinese-funded projects.

Regardless of the reasons behind this trend, it is clear that the presence of Chinese criminals in Sri Lanka is a cause for concern. These individuals may pose a threat to the safety and security of Sri Lankan citizens, and they may also contribute to the rise of criminal activity in the country.

To address this issue, it is important for the Sri Lankan Government to take action. This could include increasing oversight of Chinese-funded projects, conducting background checks on Chinese nationals working in the country, and cracking down on illegal activities involving Chinese nationals.

It is also important for China to take responsibility for the actions of its citizens and to work with the Sri Lankan Government to address any issues that arise.

Further, there are an estimated 100,000 Chinese workers in Sri Lanka and numerous cases are reported against them engaging in illegal activities in the country. A Chinese national was caught for unauthorised entry into the Colombo Harbour for smuggling labourers for the Port City Project.

Cases of credit card fraud, smuggling of liquor and live animals, molestation of women, etc are only a few other examples. 

 The smuggling of live animals like turtles or scorpions by Chinese individuals can also pose a serious health hazard in Sri Lanka. This practice has been reported in various parts of the world and is known to have caused health problems in humans and animals alike.

Turtles, are often smuggled for their meat or shells, which are highly valued in some cultures. Scorpions, on the other hand, are often used in traditional Chinese medicine and are sometimes smuggled for this purpose. The smuggling of live animals also poses a threat to the environment in Sri Lanka. Many of these animals are taken from their natural habitats, which can have a negative impact on local ecosystems.

Meanwhile, Chinese nationals have also been involved in cryptocurrency frauds in Sri Lanka. Three individuals were apprehended by Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department's Financial and Commercial Crimes Bureau in October of last year, for perpetrating a large-scale cryptocurrency scam that amounted to approximately Rs. 14 Billion (US $ 37,891,504.00). As per the police, a Chinese couple and a Sri Lankan collaborator were responsible for the fraud.

Although the Chinese couple was detained at the Katunayake International Airport, approximately 8,000 people were duped by these swindlers, according to law enforcement officials. The Police revealed that the trio used deceitful tactics to lure unsuspecting investors into the scheme by promising them significant returns on their crypto investments.

Thereafter, the Sri Lanka Police arrested three more locals suspected to have involved in the cryptocurrency scam that was run by a Chinese couple.

Although cryptocurrency trading and mining are banned in China, Chinese nationals can still engage in these activities through offshore exchanges and mining farms.