Police have launched further investigations into suspected online financial fraud following a raid on a hotel in Nalloruwa, Panadura, where 32 Chinese nationals were found staying.

Acting on information received by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of the Panadura Division, alleging that a group of Chinese nationals were involved in illegal online financial activities, the Panadura Division Criminal Investigation Unit initiated an investigation.

Following preliminary inquiries, officers obtained a search warrant from the Panadura Magistrate’s Court and conducted searches at the hotel on November 6 and 7.

The operation was carried out with the assistance of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police Special Task Force (STF), Criminal Records Division, Police K-9 Unit and the Department of Official Languages.

During the operation, police found 32 Chinese nationals at the premises and seized 23 computers along with several other electronic devices to determine whether they had been used in criminal activities.

The seized equipment was subsequently handed over to the Panadura South Police Station, while the CID is conducting further investigations into the incident.

According to the Police Media Division, authorities have recently uncovered several incidents in which foreign nationals, particularly those travelling in groups, have allegedly engaged in financial fraud while staying at hotels, guesthouses, holiday resorts and other accommodation facilities.

Police have also urged hotel owners and operators to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence regarding the activities of foreign nationals staying at their establishments.

Meanwhile, the general public has been requested to provide any information relating to suspected illegal activities by contacting the police emergency hotlines 118 or 119, or the nearest police station.