Sri Lanka, China and Interpol Unite Against Illegal Gambling
Sri Lanka has stepped up efforts to combat cross-border gambling and online fraud by coordinating directly with Chinese authorities through Interpol. The partnership aims to identify, apprehend and extradite foreign nationals running illicit betting operations.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that Interpol now works hand-in-hand with local law enforcement to tackle these criminal networks. A recent security summit in Colombo saw both sides agree on joint strategies to detect and prosecute offenders linked to transnational financial crimes.
"China has been cooperative. Many scammers target Chinese citizens, and we ensure they are apprehended here and extradited for prosecution," Wijepala said.
So far, approximately 80 suspects have been arrested and handed over to Chinese authorities for legal action.
Reinforcing Bilateral Cooperation
The crackdown follows a recent high-level discussion between Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration on law enforcement and cybersecurity, with a shared commitment to disrupt illegal gambling and online fraud. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the two governments aim to “resolutely combat cross-border gambling and fraud while enhancing intelligence sharing and investigative training.”
A Regional Anti-Gambling Strategy
This initiative marks a shift toward more coordinated enforcement in Asia, targeting money laundering, offshore betting rings and fraudulent payment schemes. Officials highlighted that the partnership will strengthen monitoring of financial flows from offshore gambling platforms and enhance border controls to prevent illicit activity.
Long-Term Vision
While immediate efforts focus on arrests and deportations, the broader objective is to stop Sri Lanka from becoming a base for transnational gambling operations. By integrating real-time intelligence from Interpol, China and Sri Lanka, authorities aim to prevent criminal networks from relocating across borders and ensure sustainable enforcement.
This alliance could set a precedent for tackling gambling-related crimes in Asia, turning short-term actions into enduring safeguards against illicit cross-border operations.
