A total of 198 foreign nationals have been arrested on suspicion of carrying out computer-related crimes while residing in Sri Lanka.

Police stated that 28 Indian nationals and five Nepali nationals who were staying at a tourist hotel in the Midigama–Pinwatta area were arrested during a raid conducted last night. The suspects are aged between 25 and 35.

According to police, the arrests were made on suspicion of offences including overstaying without valid visas, engaging in employment while on tourist visas, possession of duty-free cigarettes, and committing offences under the Computer Crimes Act.

Meanwhile, a separate raid carried out at a guesthouse in Hikkaduwa–Dodanduwa led to the arrest of 35 Indian nationals and 20 Nepali nationals, along with the hotel owner who had provided them with accommodation, on suspicion of involvement in computer-related offences.

Police further stated that 25 computers, 119 mobile phones, cash amounting to Rs. 750,000, a motor car, and a jeep were taken into custody. The arrested foreign suspects are aged between 20 and 48, while the 43-year-old lodge owner is a resident of Dodanduwa.

In addition, police said that 110 Indian nationals staying at two lodgings in the Galle areas of Galwadugoda and Sri Sumedha Mawatha were arrested in further raids on suspicion of committing offences under the Computer Crimes Act. These suspects are aged between 19 and 35. Five computers and 79 mobile phones were also seized.

The Criminal Investigation Department has commenced an investigation into the foreign nationals arrested in connection with these computer crimes.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration stated that foreign nationals arriving from the countries of residence of those currently under arrest will be subjected to special screening at the airport.

It further noted that a separate inquiry is also being conducted into foreign nationals currently residing in Sri Lanka.