Colombo: Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 173 Indians and 25 Nepalese nationals in a fresh cybercrime crackdown targeting foreign-operated scam networks in the island nation, police said on Tuesday. The arrests were carried out late Monday in the southern tourist hubs of Galle, Hikkaduwa and Midigama.

Police said the group of 198 foreigners, mostly aged between 25 and 35, was allegedly involved in cybercrime-related activities while staying in Sri Lanka on tourist visas. Officials said the suspects would face charges linked to visa violations, overstaying, illegal employment and possession of duty-free imported cigarettes.

The latest operation comes just days after Sri Lankan authorities arrested 250 Chinese nationals in a separate cybercrime case, marking a major escalation in the country's ongoing crackdown on international online fraud and digital scam operations.

According to officials, at least 628 foreigners have been arrested in Sri Lanka since the beginning of 2026 over alleged cybercrime activities carried out while temporarily residing in the country.

Authorities said those detained this year include nationals from India, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines and Cambodia.

Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies believe several of the suspects are linked to larger international cybercrime syndicates that target victims overseas using online communication platforms and digital networks.

Officials have repeatedly warned that Sri Lanka’s connectivity, tourism infrastructure and relatively easy visa access may have made the country vulnerable to foreign cybercrime groups operating from temporary locations.

Investigators suspect some individuals entered Sri Lanka on short-term tourist permits before allegedly engaging in organised online fraud activities.

With PTI inputs