The Panadura Magistrate today ordered (09) to remand the 20 Chinese nationals, who were arrested while staying at a hotel in the Gorakana area of Panadura for overstaying their visas, until October 23.

The arrest was made following a tip-off received by officers of the Western Province Intelligence Division.

In a statement, the Police Media Division indicated that investigations are underway to determine whether there is a connection between the Chinese nationals arrested today and those apprehended by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on October 6 in the Hanwella police area, on suspicion of engaging in organized online financial scams.

Officers from the Panadura Special Crimes Unit, who carried out a raid on the hotel, have discovered that the group of Chinese nationals had been staying at the hotel on a monthly rent of Rs. 2 million.

During the raid, the police also seized a significant number of electronic devices, including 5 laptops, 437 mobile phones, 332 USB cables, 133 mobile phone chargers, 21 USB 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 were produced before the Panadura Magistrate today.