China and Sri Lanka have expanded cooperation between their law enforcement agencies as both countries seek to tackle online gambling, telecom fraud, and organized criminal networks operating across borders.
Authorities say these crimes have become increasingly international in nature, with criminal groups shifting operations between countries and taking advantage of regions viewed as more vulnerable. According to statements issued by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, recent enforcement efforts have focused on dismantling gambling and fraud centers that authorities believe have relocated to Sri Lanka from other parts of Asia.
The Embassy said online gambling and telecom fraud have emerged as major forms of transnational organized crime. Officials also warned that these operations are frequently linked to other offenses, including human trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping, illegal detention, and unlawful border crossings.
Joint Enforcement Operations Lead to Arrests
Chinese officials said cooperation between the two countries has intensified since the beginning of 2026 through closer communication and coordination with Sri Lankan ministries and enforcement agencies.
According to the Embassy, Sri Lankan authorities have conducted a series of investigations and enforcement actions in recent months. These operations resulted in the closure of multiple gambling and fraud centers and the arrest of suspects from several countries.
“Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities have carried out multiple investigations and crackdown operations, dismantled a number of gambling and fraud dens, and arrested a large number of fraud suspects, including nationals from several countries,” the Embassy stated.
Authorities also confirmed that several Chinese nationals suspected of fraud-related offenses have been returned to China for further investigation and prosecution.
“A number of Chinese nationals involved in fraud-related crimes have been handed over to the Chinese side, producing a strong deterrent effect. Chinese public security authorities are making every effort to advance the investigation and handling of the relevant cases.”
The Embassy praised the cooperation provided by Sri Lanka’s ministries responsible for foreign affairs, finance, and public security, as well as immigration authorities and police services.
Concerns Over Expanding Regional Crime Networks
Chinese officials argued that the rise in gambling and fraud-related crime in Sri Lanka reflects broader shifts in organized criminal activity across Asia.
According to the Embassy, criminal groups that faced pressure from enforcement campaigns elsewhere in East and Southeast Asia have increasingly sought to establish operations in new locations. Authorities said scam compounds, underground banking networks, and illegal online marketplaces are showing signs of coordinated expansion.
The statement warned that failing to address these activities could have serious consequences for Sri Lanka.
“If firm and immediate measures are not taken to curb the spread of illegal gambling, online gambling, telecom fraud and related crimes in Sri Lanka, these activities will seriously damage the country’s international image, undermine public security and social stability, and severely harm the safety, interests and sense of security of the Sri Lankan people.”
Officials from both countries said they intend to continue targeting the organizational and financial structures supporting these criminal enterprises.
“By working together to crack down on gambling- and fraud-related criminal activities in Sri Lanka, expeditiously repatriating relevant suspects and holding them legally accountable, and jointly dismantling the criminal, organizational and financial networks behind these operations, China and Sri Lanka can build a stronger shield against gambling and fraud crimes.”
China Reaffirms Gambling Restrictions
As reported by Newswire, the Embassy also used the statement to reiterate China’s longstanding position on overseas gambling activities.
Chinese authorities prohibit domestic capital from investing in foreign casinos, forbid Chinese citizens from operating overseas gambling businesses, and ban foreign casinos from marketing gambling services to Chinese nationals.
“Chinese capital is forbidden to invest in overseas casinos, Chinese citizens are forbidden to participate in the operation of overseas casinos and overseas casinos are prohibited from soliciting Chinese citizens to gamble.”
The Embassy further stated: “Gambling almost invariably leads to financial ruin. Tens of thousands of Chinese citizens have suffered property losses and even personal harm as a result of cross-border gambling.”
China noted that amendments to its Criminal Law now specifically criminalize cross-border gambling activities. Officials also highlighted previous law enforcement cooperation with Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, and Cambodia, which resulted in the arrest and repatriation of fraud suspects.
Looking ahead, China said it will continue strengthening security cooperation with Sri Lanka while promoting broader international collaboration. The Embassy pointed to its proposal for an international alliance against telecom and online fraud, arguing that digital fraud schemes have become a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide as criminal activity increasingly moves online.