Chinese national wanted over child abuse, rape and cybercrime allegations remanded in Sri Lanka

A Chinese national identified as Shen Richard has been remanded until 28 October after being arrested in Colombo over allegations linking him to child abuse, rape and cybercrime offences.

Investigators said Chinese authorities had issued warrants for the suspect on two occasions, with the first dating back to 2017.

Police said the 39-year-old arrived in Sri Lanka in 2024 and had been working at an office in Nugegoda.

Three passports were reportedly found under his name, although investigators said he claimed that only the passport issued by Vanuatu belonged to him.

Police also alleged that the suspect attempted to offer investigating officers 20,000 US dollars at the time of his arrest.

Investigations have further revealed that he had travelled to several countries, including Mexico, Japan and Thailand, before arriving in Sri Lanka.

Authorities said the suspect had legally separated from his spouse in 2020 and is the father of two children.

China has requested that steps be taken to deport him as soon as possible, investigators said.

The suspect was arrested while staying at a luxury hotel in Colombo.

The operation was carried out by a team led by Police Inspector Ekanayake of the Colombo Central Crimes Investigation Division, under the instructions of its Director Kamal Ariyawansa.

He was produced before court following the arrest and remanded until 28 October.

Police investigations are continuing.