16 Chinese Nationals Arrested in High-Tech Pyramid Scam Operation in Colombo 05

A group of 16 Chinese nationals has been arrested by the Wellawatte Police for allegedly operating a sophisticated international online fraud network from a luxury residence in Colombo 05.

The suspects were taken into custody during a raid carried out at a house in the Jawatte area, where authorities say a fully equipped “cybercrime factory” had been functioning in secrecy. The property, located in a high-security residential neighborhood, had reportedly been used as a base to carry out large-scale financial scams targeting foreign nationals.

During the operation, police seized 23 high-end laptops, nine voice translation devices believed to have been used to communicate with victims in different languages, seven routers, 11 mobile phones, and 3,280 foreign cigarettes suspected to have been brought into the country without paying duty. Investigators say the equipment indicates the operation was not merely a visa violation but part of a coordinated international financial fraud scheme.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects had used Sri Lanka as a secure base to run pyramid investment schemes, luring foreign victims with promises of high returns for low investments. The confiscated translation devices are believed to have played a key role in persuading victims across multiple countries.

The raid was conducted under the direction of the Officer-in-Charge of Wellawatte Police, Chief Inspector Sujeewa Kumara, along with Inspector Wickramaratne of the Criminal Investigation Division, following precise intelligence information.

Police have warned the public to remain vigilant, noting a recent increase in foreign nationals entering Sri Lanka on tourist visas and allegedly engaging in online financial scams. Authorities cautioned against falling for online schemes that promise “low investment, high profit” returns.

Further investigations are underway.

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