Police arrest over 1,000 foreigners over cybercrime, financial fraud in 2026

Sri Lankan police have arrested 1,093 foreign nationals in connection with cybercrime and financial fraud so far this year, Police Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said on Thursday.

Speaking at a media briefing on the government’s “Rata Ekata” national operation, Wootler said police made the arrests during 24 raids conducted across the country.

He said police arrested 573 foreign nationals in 26 operations in 2024 in connection with similar offenses.

In 2025, authorities arrested 26 foreign nationals in two incidents, he added.

Wootler said authorities are taking steps to deport all foreign nationals arrested in connection with the cybercrime and financial fraud cases, subject to the relevant legal procedures.