Sri Lankan authorities have taken decisive action against a sophisticated online financial scam, arresting at least 60 Indian nationals. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) conducted simultaneous raids on Thursday, targeting locations in the western coastal town of Negombo and the Colombo neighborhoods of Madiwela and Battaramulla.
The operation stemmed from a complaint filed by a victim who had been lured into a WhatsApp group through social media contacts, promising financial rewards. Investigations revealed a deceptive scheme where victims were pressured to make deposits after initial payments, ultimately falling prey to the scam.
During the raids, the CID seized a significant amount of evidence, including 135 cell phones and 57 laptops, highlighting the extensive nature of the operation. Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa confirmed the seizures, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
The Daily Mirror Lanka newspaper reported that a father and son duo in Peradeniya had admitted to aiding the con artists. This revelation underscores the local involvement in the scam.
The initial arrests of 13 suspects in Negombo yielded crucial information, leading to the seizure of 57 phones and computers. Subsequent operations in the same area uncovered international connections, implicating individuals in Dubai and Afghanistan.
Further investigation revealed that both Sri Lankan nationals and foreigners had fallen victim to the scam. The suspects are suspected of engaging in financial fraud, illegal betting, and other gambling-related activities, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the crime.
