Sri Lanka Becomes Hub For International Telecom Fraud, Scam Centres Busted

Sri Lanka is increasingly becoming a hub for international telecom and investment fraud operations. Organised cybercrime groups previously operating from Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos are now expanding into the island nation, attracted by economic challenges, regulatory gaps and lower scrutiny of foreign investments.

Since mid-2024, Sri Lankan authorities have conducted multiple raids on suspected scam centres. Raids in Kandy, Panadura and Negombo uncovered foreign-run operations based in luxury hotels and guest houses. Investigators seized computers, mobile phones and SIM-box devices used for fraudulent communications.

In a major April 2026 operation, authorities arrested 150 people at a luxury hotel in Ambakandavila, including 133 Chinese nationals, 13 Vietnamese nationals and one Malaysian citizen. The scam networks typically recruit victims through fake online job advertisements on social media platforms.