Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia

Experts say criminal networks favour Sri Lanka due to ease of getting tourist visas and limited regulation on sim cards and internet connections

Experts have warned that Sri Lanka is emerging as a hub for transnational cybercrime, after a crackdown in south-east Asia pushed Chinese-run criminal networks to relocate their vast scam operations.

Sri Lankan police spokesperson Fredrick Wootler said the country was witnessing an alarming increase of cybercrimes" perpetrated by people entering the country as tourists, and then illegally setting up scam operations targeting people across the world.