China and Sri Lanka have strengthened joint law enforcement efforts to combat cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud, amid growing concerns over the spread of such criminal activities across Asia and beyond.
According to the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, both countries are working closely to dismantle scam centres and fraud networks that have reportedly relocated to Sri Lanka from other parts of Southeast Asia. Authorities noted that these operations are often linked to human trafficking and other serious crimes, posing significant threats to public security and social stability.
The Embassy reiterated China’s strict stance on cross-border gambling, emphasizing that Chinese capital is prohibited from investing in overseas casinos, Chinese citizens are barred from operating them, and foreign casinos are not permitted to target Chinese nationals. It also highlighted that recent amendments to Chinese criminal law have made cross-border gambling activities a criminal offence.
The statement noted that Sri Lankan authorities have conducted several successful raids in recent months, shutting down gambling and fraud operations and arresting suspects from multiple countries. Several Chinese nationals implicated in fraud-related crimes have also been handed over to Chinese authorities, a move officials say has had a strong deterrent effect.
The Embassy commended the efforts of Sri Lanka’s key institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Public Security, along with immigration and police officials, for their cooperation in tackling these crimes.
It warned that failing to take firm action against illegal gambling and telecom fraud could damage Sri Lanka’s international reputation, weaken social stability, and threaten public safety.
China also highlighted similar law enforcement partnerships with countries such as Spain, United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, and Cambodia, which have led to the arrest and repatriation of overseas fraud suspects.
Looking ahead, China pledged to deepen security and law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka as part of broader international efforts to combat transnational crime, safeguard financial security, and protect citizens from online fraud and illegal gambling networks.
