Sri Lanka Police have arrested 628 foreign nationals since January 1 for engaging in illegal activities ranging from immigration violations to cybercrimes, Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent F. U. Wootler told reporters on Monday.
The suspects come from India, Vietnam, China, Myanmar, the Philippines and Cambodia. Operations were conducted in Cinnamon Gardens, Mount Lavinia, Poddala, Chilaw and Koswatte, with most arrests linked to rented houses, apartments and office spaces being used to run illicit operations.
ASP Wootler said property owners could face legal consequences if their premises were knowingly or unknowingly used for unlawful purposes. “We urge owners of houses, apartments, and office spaces to keep the nearest Police Station informed when renting to foreign nationals, providing details regarding the visitors,” he said.
“If not checked, some foreign nationals are found to be engaging in illegal activities from the rented spaces, and this could lead to the owner of the premises also being identified as complicit in the case.”
The figure is the first cumulative year-to-date total since the recent intensification of operations against foreign-run cybercrime networks. Police have warned landlords that they will be treated as enforcement targets where due diligence is absent. The 628 figure also encompasses the 37 Chinese nationals deported earlier this month after the Welisara compound raid that uncovered cybercrime infrastructure linked to nine countries.
ASP Wootler urged the public to exercise caution when renting to foreign nationals, calling vigilance essential both to curb illegal activity and to protect landlords from liability.
