China is closely monitoring reports that Sri Lankan police have apprehended several foreign suspects, including Chinese nationals, in connection with internet fraud. The Chinese government expressed concern that such incidents threaten the property of both nations and could severely damage China’s image, potentially affecting the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka indicated that it would fully support Sri Lankan law enforcement in cracking down on the suspects while ensuring the protection of their legitimate rights and interests under the law. The embassy highlighted that telecom and online fraud first emerged in China during the 1990s and have since escalated to impact a significant number of people across various regions.
The Chinese government emphasized its ongoing commitment to combatting telecom and online fraud, noting that efforts have led to unprecedented achievements in recent years. In 2021 alone, the number of cases solved in China was reported to be five times greater than that five years prior. Since June 2021, there has been a year-on-year decrease in such cases for 17 consecutive months, effectively curbing the trend of frequent incidents.
Acknowledging the global rise in telecom crimes and internet fraud, the Chinese Embassy described these issues as common threats that require international cooperation to address. Over recent years, China has collaborated effectively with several countries, including Myanmar, Cambodia, and the United Arab Emirates, in efforts to combat fraud. However, it noted that some criminal groups have relocated to peripheral Southeast Asian countries as a consequence of these actions.
Sri Lanka’s favorable telecommunications infrastructure, strategic geographical location, and amicable relations with China have made it an appealing target for e-fraud criminal gangs. The embassy pointed out that a lack of public awareness regarding internet fraud in Sri Lanka has allowed these groups to operate, often targeting Chinese citizens both domestically and abroad. This influx has contributed to the recent rise in telecom fraud cases in Sri Lanka.
The Chinese government is actively addressing this trend and is promoting cooperation between Chinese and Sri Lankan law enforcement to combat internet fraud. In September, China’s Ministry of Public Security deployed a task force to collaborate with Sri Lankan police in a special operation aimed at tackling these crimes. The Chinese Embassy reaffirmed its readiness to enhance law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka and take swift, effective measures to jointly resolve the issue of online scams.
