China and Sri Lanka Expand Cooperation Against Online Gambling
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – China has reaffirmed its opposition to cross-border gambling and pledged deeper cooperation with Sri Lanka as both countries intensify efforts against online gambling, telecom fraud and related criminal activity.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:In a statement published by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, officials said law enforcement agencies from both countries have strengthened cooperation since the beginning of 2026 to combat organised criminal networks operating in Sri Lanka.
The embassy said authorities have increased coordination with government ministries, immigration officials and police as part of a broader campaign targeting gambling and fraud operations.
Related: China Leads Regional Effort to Combat Online Gaming
Raids and Arrests Reported
According to the embassy, Sri Lankan authorities have carried out multiple investigations and enforcement actions against suspected online gambling and telecom fraud operations. Officials said several gambling and fraud centres have been dismantled and numerous suspects of different nationalities arrested.
The statement added that some Chinese nationals linked to fraud-related crimes have already been transferred to China for further investigation. China praised Sri Lankan authorities for their cooperation and said joint efforts had produced a strong deterrent effect against criminal organisations operating in the country.
Authorities Warn of Expanding Criminal Networks
Chinese officials said organised crime groups that were previously concentrated in parts of East and Southeast Asia are increasingly moving operations into new regions.
The embassy warned that criminal enterprises linked to online gambling, telecom fraud, underground banking and illegal online marketplaces are showing signs of coordinated expansion beyond their traditional bases.
According to the statement, failure to address these activities could harm Sri Lanka's international reputation, public security and social stability.
China also reiterated its longstanding opposition to cross-border gambling, stating that overseas gambling activities can expose participants to fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, human trafficking and other crimes.
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China Pushes for Wider International Cooperation
The embassy said China has expanded international partnerships in recent years to combat gambling and fraud-related crime, citing cooperation with countries including Myanmar, Cambodia, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.
Officials also highlighted proposals for a global alliance focused on tackling telecom and online fraud through greater coordination between governments and law enforcement agencies.
The latest comments come as several countries continue to increase scrutiny of offshore gambling operators and cross-border betting activity. Chinese authorities have maintained a particularly strict stance on overseas gambling and recently strengthened criminal penalties related to cross-border gambling operations.
China's embassy said both countries will continue working together to identify suspects, dismantle criminal networks and disrupt the financial infrastructure supporting gambling and fraud activities.
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