Foreign Nationals Arrested at BIA with Electronic Devices for Alleged Cybercrime

Sri Lankan customs officials at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have made two significant arrests in April, apprehending groups of foreign nationals attempting to smuggle electronic communication devices. On April 2nd, nine Indonesian nationals were arrested after arriving from Singapore on flight SQ-468, allegedly attempting to exit via the Green Channel. They were found with devices valued at approximately LKR 1.5 million, including 70 used mobile phones, 8 mini-computers, and 54 SIM cards, believed to be for internet-based financial crimes. Separately, on April 16th, another group of nine Chinese nationals was apprehended after arriving from Kunming, China, on flight MU-6912. These individuals were found with electronic communication devices valued at an estimated LKR 24 million, including 383 used mobile phones, 101 tablet computers, and 6 Wi-Fi routers, some reportedly concealed on their bodies. Both groups are suspected of intending to engage in computer-related financial crimes within Sri Lanka.