Sri Lanka and Indonesia Targeted by Transnational Cybercrime Syndicates

In 2026, Sri Lanka has seen a significant increase in cybercrime activities, with over 628 foreign nationals arrested for various illegal activities, including cyber fraud. Recent police operations in Colombo and Matara led to the arrest of 74 Vietnamese and 6 Taiwanese and Chinese nationals suspected of financial scams. Concurrently, Indonesia has emerged as a new hub for online gambling and cyber scams, with 321 foreign nationals arrested in Jakarta, primarily from Vietnam and China, during a raid on an illegal gambling operation. The shift of these operations from Southeast Asia to Sri Lanka and Indonesia is attributed to weakened visa controls and law enforcement in these regions. Authorities in both countries are intensifying efforts to combat these transnational criminal networks, which have been exploiting lax regulations to operate. The ongoing investigations aim to dismantle these networks and prevent further infiltration.

Key Points: • Sri Lanka arrested over 628 foreign nationals for cybercrime in 2026. • Recent raids in Colombo and Matara netted 74 Vietnamese and 6 Taiwanese/Chinese suspects. • Indonesia is becoming a new operational hub for online gambling syndicates, with 321 arrests.