20 Chinese nationals arrested for visa overstay: 437 mobile phones and other devices seized

Police have arrested 20 Chinese nationals who were staying at a hotel in the Gorakana area of Panadura without valid visas. The arrest has been made following a tip-off received from the officers of the Western Province Intelligence Division.

The officers of Panadura Special Crimes Unit who carried out a raid in the hotel have discovered the group of Chinese nationals staying at the hotel on a monthly rent of Rs. 2 million.

During the raid, the police have also seized a significant number of electronic devices, including 5 laptops, 437 mobile phones, 332 USB cables, 133 mobile phone chargers, 21 USB wire cords, 17 routers, 2 iPhones, and other accessories. The items are suspected to be linked to potential financial fraud and scams.

The arrested individuals were provided meals from the hotel, where they had been residing for an extended period, the police said.

Police are investigating whether the group was involved in any financial crimes, with all 20 suspects scheduled to be produced before the Panadura Magistrate today.