The Panadura Magistrate has remanded 20 Chinese nationals, arrested in Gorakana, Panadura, for overstaying their visas, until October 23. The arrest was made after the Western Province Intelligence Division received a tip-off. The Police Media Division stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether there is any connection between these individuals and a group apprehended on October 6 in Hanwella for suspected involvement in online financial scams.
During the raid by the Panadura Special Crimes Unit, police discovered that the Chinese nationals had been staying at a hotel with a monthly rent of Rs. 2 million. A large cache of electronic devices, suspected to be linked to financial fraud, was also seized, including:
- 5 laptops
- 437 mobile phones
- 332 USB cables
- 133 mobile phone chargers
- 21 USB cords
- 17 routers
- 2 iPhones and other accessories
The arrested individuals were provided meals by the hotel, where they had been staying for an extended period. The suspects were produced before the Panadura Magistrate, and investigations are ongoing to determine any involvement in financial crimes.
