Sri Lanka Police have arrested 1,093 foreign nationals so far this year over cybercrime and financial fraud allegedly run from within the country, a sharp escalation on previous years.

Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler, disclosed the figures at a press conference in Colombo on Thursday held to brief the public on the “Ratama Ekata” national operation — the same briefing at which police announced Interpol Red Notices for 93 suspects hiding overseas.

Three-year comparison

Wootler said 573 foreign nationals were arrested in 26 separate incidents in 2024, and 26 foreign nationals in two incidents in 2025. This year’s 1,093 arrests bring the three-year total to 1,692.

Ada Derana and Daily Mirror both reported that this year’s arrests were made during 24 raids; NewsFirst put the figure at 27 operations.

Deportations under way

Wootler said the primary objective is to protect both Sri Lankan citizens and people overseas who have fallen victim to fraud schemes allegedly operated from Sri Lanka.

“You are aware that during recent times, a number of foreign nationals have become involved in cyber crimes and cyber offences. We have taken action to enforce the law against them,” he said. “Our primary objective is to protect the people of Sri Lanka as well as individuals living overseas who have become victims of cyber crimes carried out by these foreign nationals.”

He said the operation was coordinated under the guidance of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Inspector General of Police, and that steps have been taken to remove those arrested from the country. “Following these arrests, we have taken all necessary measures to remove these foreign nationals from the country through deportation or repatriation processes.”

Warning to landlords

Police also warned homeowners, landlords, apartment owners, hotel operators and commercial property managers to exercise care, noting that some cybercrime operations have allegedly used rented premises as bases.

“If you are attempting to lease or rent your homes, apartments, hotels or even commercial properties to foreign nationals, you must pay close attention,” Wootler said.

The scale marks a steep rise on earlier enforcement. In May, immigration authorities reported nearly 700 foreigners arrested in cybercrime-related operations.

Sources