Online fraud suspicion at Panadura hotel: 23 computers seized

Police raided a hotel in the Nalloruwa area of Panadura on 6 and 7 November and seized 23 computers and related equipment, on suspicion that a group of Chinese nationals staying there may have been engaged in online financial fraud and illegal business activities.

The operation was carried out by the Panadura divisional crime investigation unit on information received by the Panadura divisional police superintendent, under a warrant obtained from the Panadura Magistrate's Court. Officials found 32 Chinese nationals at the hotel.

The seized computers were taken to Panadura South police station for examination, the police media division said, to establish whether criminal activity had taken place. Further investigations are under way with the help of the Criminal Investigation Department, the police Special Task Force, the crime records division and the police dog unit.

Police warned that several financial fraud incidents involving foreign groups operating from hotels, guest houses and holiday resorts have come to light in recent months, and asked accommodation providers to remain vigilant. Anyone with information can report it on the emergency numbers 118 or 119, or to the nearest police station.