173 Indian nationals were arrested late Monday by Sri Lankan police in a latest crackdown on cybercrime operations.
The arrests were made in the southern resort areas of Galle, Hikkaduwa and Midigama. Nearly 200 foreigners have been arrested, which also include 25 Nepalese nationals.
All those arrested are aged between 25 and 35, as reported by PTI.
Police said the suspects will be charged with abusing tourist visas by overstaying and taking up employment, possessing duty-free imported cigarettes, and engaging in activities covered under cybercrime laws.
Officials said the latest arrests come amid an ongoing nationwide crackdown. Earlier, Sri Lanka had arrested 250 Chinese nationals for similar offences, and 74 Vietnamese nationals were also detained on May 7.
Law enforcement agencies said such groups are often linked to wider international syndicates that target victims abroad using digital platforms and communication systems.
Officials also said Sri Lanka’s connectivity and visa access may have made it vulnerable to such operations, with some suspects believed to have entered the country on short-term permits.
