Sri Lanka, May 12 -- Police have issued a warning to property owners over the increasing use of rented houses, apartments and commercial buildings for illegal activities, including organised crime and online financial fraud.

According to police, several recent operations conducted during 2025 and 2026 uncovered foreign nationals residing in rented villas, hotels and apartments while carrying out secret online scam operations using advanced computer equipment.

By early May 2026, Sri Lankan authorities have arrested over 600 foreign nationals for involvement in large-scale organised cybercrimes and financial scams. Police said these groups often operate from rented luxury apartments and houses.

Police said many of these individuals had a...