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Nine Chinese Nationals Arrested for Smuggling Cyberscam Gear

4/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 16, 2026, nine Chinese nationals were arrested at Colombo's airport for smuggling equipment used in cyberscams.
Customs recovered 383 mobile phones, 101 tablets, six Wi-Fi routers, and GPS trackers valued at 24 million rupees.
Earlier, authorities detained 152 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, for running a cyberscam from a hotel.
The Chinese Embassy will work with authorities to curb these activities amid a surge in cyberscams.

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Story summary

On April 16, 2026, nine Chinese nationals were arrested at Colombo's airport for smuggling equipment used in cyberscams.
Customs recovered 383 mobile phones, 101 tablets, six Wi-Fi routers, and GPS trackers valued at 24 million rupees.
Earlier, authorities detained 152 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, for running a cyberscam from a hotel.
The Chinese Embassy will work with authorities to curb these activities amid a surge in cyberscams.