Sri Lanka, May 4 -- Sri Lanka has emerged as a growing hotspot for foreign-linked online fraud operations, with authorities reporting a sharp increase in cybercrime networks run by foreign nationals across the island.

The growing number of such cases has raised serious concerns among authorities and stakeholders, who warn that these activities are not only undermining national security but also damaging Sri Lanka's international reputation.

Sampath Perera, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers, said the presence of these networks could negatively impact the economy by diverting potential tourism revenue and financial inflows back to foreign criminal operations.

The growing presence of foreign-linked...