China and Sri Lanka Target Cross-Border Gambling

Countries Step Up Cooperation

China and Sri Lanka increased law enforcement cooperation during 2026. The main focus is online gambling, telecom fraud, and organised crime. Recent operations led to several arrests. Authorities also broke up a number of criminal groups.

Some Chinese nationals linked to fraud cases were sent back to China. Officials said these actions helped warn other criminal groups. The two countries say cross-border crime remains a growing concern. Many groups now use online tools to reach victims in different countries.

Gambling Links to Other Crimes

Officials said online gambling and telecom fraud are often part of bigger criminal operations. They warned that these groups may also be involved in:

• Human trafficking

• Money laundering

• Kidnapping

• Illegal detention

• Illegal border crossings

Many criminal groups run several illegal activities at the same time. This makes them harder to stop. Nevertheless, authorities believe joint action may weaken these networks and reduce future risks.

Concerns Over Sri Lanka

Chinese officials said stronger enforcement in nearby countries has pushed some groups to move. As a result, some organisations appear to be looking for new places to operate. Sri Lanka has become one area of concern.

Officials pointed to the country's location and communications systems. They also noted that visa access may attract some criminal groups. Criminal networks often move when enforcement becomes stronger elsewhere — and authorities want to stop that from happening.

Agencies Work Together

Several Sri Lankan agencies took part in recent operations. Police, immigration officials, and government departments worked together. Chinese officials praised these efforts. They said cooperation helped identify suspects and support investigations.

Subsequently, both countries improved communication between their agencies. Better coordination may help future cases move faster. Officials also warned that organised crime could harm public safety. It could also damage Sri Lanka's reputation abroad.

China Keeps a Strict Position

China repeated its opposition to overseas gambling activities. Chinese citizens cannot operate casinos outside the country. Chinese money cannot be invested in foreign casinos. Foreign casinos also cannot target Chinese nationals.

Recent legal changes strengthened these rules. Cross-border gambling is now treated as a criminal offence under Chinese law. Hence, China continues to work with other countries on enforcement efforts. Similar partnerships already exist in several regions.

The latest cooperation with Sri Lanka is another step in that effort — as both countries work to stop criminal groups operating across borders.