China and Sri Lanka have strengthened law enforcement cooperation in an effort to combat cross-border online gambling, telecom fraud, and other transnational criminal activities. Authorities say these crimes are increasingly operating from Sri Lanka.
According to a statement published by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, the two countries have intensified practical cooperation since the beginning of 2026. This has led to multiple enforcement actions against criminal networks involved in online gambling and fraud operations.
Sri Lankan authorities have reportedly conducted a series of raids that dismantled several criminal enterprises and resulted in the arrest of suspects from multiple countries. Furthermore, the Embassy also confirmed that several Chinese nationals accused of fraud-related offenses have been repatriated to China. They described the move as a significant deterrent to future criminal activity.
Online Gambling and Fraud Remain Key Targets
Chinese authorities identified online gambling and telecom fraud as the primary forms of organized crime being addressed through the partnership.
According to the Embassy, these operations are frequently linked to a wider range of criminal activities. These include human trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping, illegal detention, and unlawful cross-border movements.
Officials argued that growing enforcement efforts across East and Southeast Asia have forced many criminal groups to relocate. As a result, Sri Lanka has emerged as an alternative operating base for some organizations.
Sri Lanka Faces Growing Enforcement Challenges
The Embassy cited several factors that have attracted criminal networks to Sri Lanka. These include the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, strategic geographic location, and relatively accessible visa policies.
Chinese officials warned that unchecked growth of these activities could undermine public safety, disrupt local communities, and damage Sri Lanka’s international reputation.
The statement praised the efforts of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Security, immigration authorities, and law enforcement agencies for their cooperation in recent investigations and enforcement operations.
China Reinforces Anti-Gambling Position
China reiterated its long-standing position on overseas gambling activities, emphasizing that Chinese investors cannot invest in foreign casinos and that Chinese citizens cannot operate gambling businesses abroad.
The statement also noted that overseas casinos are prohibited from actively targeting or recruiting Chinese nationals as customers. In addition, recent amendments to China’s criminal law have further strengthened penalties by classifying cross-border gambling activities as criminal offenses.
Part of a Broader International Strategy
The latest cooperation with Sri Lanka forms part of a wider international enforcement campaign. This campaign is led by Beijing to combat online gambling and fraud networks operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Chinese authorities highlighted similar collaborative efforts with Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, and Cambodia. These efforts have resulted in arrests, investigations, and the repatriation of suspects.
Looking ahead, China indicated that it plans to deepen security and law enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka under the framework of its Global Security Initiative. Both countries continue efforts to disrupt cross-border criminal organizations and strengthen regional security.
The development underscores the growing international focus on online gambling-related crime. It also reflects a broader trend of cross-border cooperation aimed at targeting increasingly mobile and sophisticated criminal networks.
