A group of Chinese nationals accused of running an online fraud operation from Sri Lanka has been arrested by the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau (CCIB). The suspects are alleged to have impersonated government agencies in several U.S. states, including Colorado, to carry out large-scale internet scams.
Investigations indicate that the group allegedly defrauded a significant number of victims both locally and internationally through coordinated online fraud activities.
Authorities said intelligence from the State Intelligence Service and the CCIB revealed that the suspects were operating from Kiribathgoda and Kollupitiya, engaging in internet-based financial scams.
Acting on this information, investigators carried out a raid on Wednesday night and arrested 17 Chinese nationals along with a young woman from Laos.
Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects had prepared forged documents, which were allegedly used to support their fraudulent operations.
Officials also recovered a large number of fake documents bearing seals and insignia of government institutions from several U.S. states, including Colorado.
In addition, police seized 62 passports, multiple mobile phones, and other items believed to be linked to the alleged cyber fraud network. Further investigations are ongoing.
