This year, as China and several Southeast Asian countries continue to intensify their crackdown on transnational telecom fraud, numerous scam dens hidden in parks have been uprooted, and involved Chinese citizens are constantly being repatriated. At the same time, the relevant countries have begun a comprehensive inspection of "intermediaries" that facilitate telecom fraud groups, and the scrutiny of borders and visa procedures has significantly tightened. The grey industrial chain has been severely hit, forcing some fraud gangs to seek other avenues.
In this context, Sri Lanka has gradually come into their view. In recent years, the local government has actively promoted the legalization of gambling and casinos, and the visa and employment thresholds for foreigners are relatively relaxed, allowing some fraud gangs to take advantage of this by "hanging the sheep's head but selling dog meat," ostensibly offering "legal employment" while secretly engaging in fraudulent activities. The legalization of the gambling industry, to some extent, has become their cover.
What is more concerning is that Sri Lanka's regulatory system is still not perfect, and there are obvious loopholes in the scrutiny of incoming personnel and work visas, leaving opportunities for telecom fraud groups. Some intermediaries are even aggressively promoting the local "relaxed environment," packaging Sri Lanka as a "safe haven," attracting scam personnel from other Southeast Asian countries to relocate and settle down.
Industry insiders warn that if this trend continues, Sri Lanka may soon become the new "telecom fraud paradise," and the regulatory gaps behind the legalization of gambling could also become the best protection for transnational criminal groups.
Meanwhile, local security risks are also emerging. Recently, there have been new reports of illegal kidnappings of Chinese citizens in Sri Lanka. The victims were forcibly taken away by strangers, and although they were successfully rescued with police intervention, they suffered severe physical and mental torment during their captivity. The police initially suspect that the case is related to extortion or international crime chains, and a special task force has been established to thoroughly investigate the masterminds behind the scenes. The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has also urgently spoken out, reminding Chinese citizens in the area to remain vigilant and pay attention to personal safety.
"Every day we remind people not to trust strangers, yet there are still victims," a netizen lamented. This case once again sounds the alarm—overseas security risks remain severe, and Chinese citizens abroad must maintain a high level of vigilance.
