A total of 125 Chinese nationals who were arrested and detained by the Department of Immigration and Emigration for engaging in online cyber scams have been deported from Sri Lanka.
A spokesperson for the Department of Immigration and Emigration stated that the group was deported on a special aircraft sent by the Chinese government, following diplomatic discussions between the two countries.
On March 17, a group of foreign nationals, including the Chinese suspects, were arrested during a joint operation conducted by the Army Intelligence Unit and the Department of Immigration and Emigration. The arrests were made at several lodges in the Anuradhapura area, where they were allegedly involved in online financial fraud.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had violated immigration laws by engaging in illegal activities while residing in Sri Lanka on tourist and business visas.
Following their arrest, the individuals were detained at the Welisara Detention Centre under the Department of Immigration and Emigration. After further discussions with the Chinese authorities, a decision was taken to deport them.
It is reported that a team of officials from the Chinese Immigration authorities, along with a doctor, arrived in Sri Lanka on a special flight to facilitate the deportation process.
The group was deported last night, and six officials from Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration also accompanied them to China.
