China, Sri Lanka Expand Anti-Gambling Cooperation

China and Sri Lanka have strengthened cooperation in tackling online gambling, telecom fraud and related criminal activity, according to a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka. Authorities from both countries have reportedly increased coordination since the start of 2026 as criminal operations previously active in other regions have expanded into Sri Lanka.

The embassy said communication between Chinese representatives and several Sri Lankan ministries and agencies has improved, helping law enforcement bodies carry out joint actions against illegal gambling and fraud networks. Sri Lankan authorities have conducted multiple investigations and enforcement operations, shutting down suspected scam and gambling centres while arresting numerous individuals from different countries.

According to the statement, several Chinese nationals connected to fraud-related offences have already been transferred back to China. Chinese authorities said investigations linked to those cases remain ongoing and praised the cooperation provided by Sri Lanka’s ministries responsible for foreign affairs, finance, immigration and public security.

The embassy warned that gambling and fraud syndicates operating across East and Southeast Asia are increasingly relocating activities into more vulnerable regions. It claimed these groups are developing interconnected operations involving scam compounds, underground banking systems and illegal online marketplaces.

Chinese officials stated that failing to act against online gambling and telecom fraud could negatively affect Sri Lanka’s public security, social stability and international reputation. The statement added that dismantling criminal and financial networks through joint enforcement efforts would help reduce the threat posed by these operations.

China also referenced its wider international cooperation efforts against fraud and gambling-related crime, noting that previous joint operations with foreign authorities had resulted in the arrest and extradition of multiple suspects. The embassy added that China has proposed the creation of an international coalition focused on combating telecom and internet fraud offences.

The statement further reiterated China’s strict position on cross-border gambling. Chinese citizens are prohibited from participating in overseas casino operations, while overseas casinos are not allowed to target Chinese nationals. Authorities also warned that gambling-related activity often leads to additional crimes including fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, illegal detention, human trafficking and unlawful border crossings.

China added that amendments to its Criminal Law now specifically criminalize cross-border gambling activities as part of broader efforts to combat international gambling and fraud networks.