China, Sri Lanka Strengthen Joint Efforts Against Online Gambling and Telecom Fraud

Jun 5, 2026 at 12:44 PM

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Lanka Leader

China and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to combating cross-border online gambling, telecom fraud, and related transnational crimes, while further strengthening law enforcement and security cooperation between the two countries.

According to Chinese authorities, cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud have become increasingly prevalent worldwide in recent years, evolving into a major form of transnational organized crime. The crimes often involve international networks spanning multiple countries and regions, with victims, perpetrators, and operational bases crossing national boundaries.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that online scam centers, initially concentrated in parts of Southeast Asia, are expanding to other regions and becoming increasingly linked to human trafficking and other organized criminal activities. Chinese nationals have been identified among the primary victims of such schemes.

China maintains a strict stance against cross-border gambling, prohibiting Chinese citizens and capital from participating in overseas casino operations or gambling activities. Chinese authorities note that gambling frequently leads to financial losses and can be associated with crimes such as money laundering, fraud, kidnapping, human trafficking, illegal detention, and illegal border crossings. Recent amendments to China's Criminal Law have further strengthened penalties against cross-border gambling activities.

Chinese officials emphasized that the rapid growth of internet-based criminal activities has transformed traditional crime patterns, making telecom and online fraud a major challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide. In response, China has expanded international cooperation with countries including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, and Cambodia, resulting in the arrest and repatriation of numerous fraud suspects.

China has also proposed the establishment of an international alliance against telecom and online fraud to enhance global coordination, information sharing, and joint law enforcement actions.

Since the beginning of this year, China and Sri Lanka have intensified cooperation following reports that individuals involved in online gambling, telecom fraud, and related criminal operations have increasingly relocated to Sri Lanka from other countries.

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo has strengthened coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, including agencies responsible for foreign affairs, finance, public security, immigration, and law enforcement. Sri Lankan authorities have conducted a series of investigations and enforcement operations, dismantling multiple gambling and fraud centers and arresting numerous suspects, including foreign nationals.

Several Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in fraud-related crimes have been handed over to Chinese authorities for further legal proceedings. Chinese public security agencies are continuing investigations into the cases.

China expressed appreciation for the efforts undertaken by Sri Lankan authorities, particularly the police and immigration services, in addressing these criminal activities.

Officials noted that the rise in gambling- and fraud-related crimes in Sri Lanka reflects the broader expansion of organized criminal networks operating across East and Southeast Asia. These groups are increasingly targeting new regions considered more vulnerable to infiltration.

Authorities warned that failure to take decisive action against illegal gambling, telecom fraud, and associated criminal networks could harm Sri Lanka's international reputation, threaten public security, and undermine social stability.

Both countries pledged to continue working together to dismantle the criminal, organizational, and financial networks behind such activities. Officials said stronger cooperation would help protect citizens, safeguard financial security, preserve social stability, and prevent the further spread of criminal syndicates within Sri Lanka.

China further stated that it will continue implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening international security cooperation and promoting coordinated global action against telecom and online fraud.

Looking ahead, China and Sri Lanka are expected to deepen practical law enforcement collaboration and enhance security cooperation as part of broader efforts to combat transnational crime and promote regional stability and development.