China has reaffirmed its opposition to cross-border gambling and pledged to deepen law-enforcement cooperation with Sri Lanka as both countries intensify efforts against online gambling and telecommunications fraud networks operating in the South Asian nation.
In a recent statement published by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo (pictured), the Chinese authorities described cross-border gambling and telecom fraud as forms of transnational organised crime that have become increasingly international in scope.
The statement noted that fraud compounds and online scam operations, previously concentrated in parts of Southeast Asia, have increasingly spread to other regions.
China reiterated its longstanding policy on overseas gaming activity, stating that cross-border gambling can expose participants to financial losses and other risks, including fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, human trafficking and smuggling. The statement also highlighted that amendments to China’s legislation have criminalised the organisation of cross-border gambling activities.
The comments come amid growing scrutiny of online gambling and scam operations across Asia. Chinese officials said the rapid digitalisation of criminal activity has enabled traditional crimes to migrate online, with telecommunications and Internet-based fraud becoming a significant challenge for governments worldwide.
China said it has expanded international cooperation against such activities in recent years, noting that authorities have reportedly identified an influx to Sri Lanka of individuals linked to online gambling, telecommunications fraud and related illicit industries.
The statement said Sri Lankan authorities had conducted multiple raids on suspected gambling and fraud operations, dismantling several facilities and arresting suspects of various nationalities. Some Chinese nationals allegedly involved in fraud activities have already been transferred to China for further investigation.
The statement described the rise of gambling and fraud-related activity in Sri Lanka as part of a broader regional trend, suggesting that organised criminal groups originating in East and Southeast Asia were seeking new operating locations beyond their traditional bases.
The embassy’s statement also said China intends to continue promoting international cooperation against online gambling and telecom fraud, including proposals for a broader international alliance focused on combatting telecommunications and Internet-related fraud.
