International Police Actions Against Illegal Digital Crimes in Southeast and South Asia

May 9, 2026, 19:11
AsiaInternational

Introduction

Police in Indonesia and Sri Lanka have carried out several large operations, arresting many foreign citizens suspected of running illegal online gambling and cyber-fraud networks.

Main Body

In Jakarta, the Indonesian National Police raided a business building and arrested 321 foreign nationals. Most of the detainees are from Vietnam (228) and China (57), with others from Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. Evidence shows that the group managed about 75 online betting sites targeting people outside the country. The organization had specific roles for finance, telemarketing, and customer service. Consequently, 275 people are now facing legal action, which could lead to nine years in prison and heavy fines under Indonesian law. At the same time, Indonesian authorities arrested 210 foreign nationals on Batam island for investment fraud. Interpol Indonesia emphasized that these criminal groups are moving their bases from Cambodia to Indonesia because of stricter laws in Cambodia. This shows a wider regional trend where criminals move across borders to avoid police. Furthermore, Sri Lankan authorities have increased their efforts to stop cyber-scam centers. Recent raids in and around Colombo led to the arrest of 261 people, including citizens from China and Vietnam. These arrests follow a pattern seen earlier in 2024 involving Chinese and Indian nationals. The Chinese embassy in Colombo asserted that these networks grew because of Sri Lanka's telecommunications systems and easy visa rules. In both Indonesia and Sri Lanka, criminals frequently used short-term tourist visas to work illegally and then stayed in the country after their permits expired.

Conclusion

The current situation shows a significant increase in government efforts to stop foreign-run digital crime groups across several Asian countries.

Learning

The 'Connection' Secret: Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, students usually write short, choppy sentences. Example: "Criminals move to Indonesia. Laws in Cambodia are stricter."

To reach B2, you need to use Logical Connectors. These are words that act like glue, showing the relationship between two ideas. Look at how this text uses them to create a professional, flowing narrative:

1. Cause and Effect (Consequently)

Instead of saying "so," the text uses Consequently. This signals that the second part of the sentence is a direct result of the first.

  • A2 style: They broke the law, so they are in prison.
  • B2 style: They operated illegal sites; consequently, they are facing legal action.

2. Adding Weight (Furthermore)

When you want to add a new, important point that supports your previous argument, use Furthermore. It is much stronger than "and" or "also."

  • A2 style: Police arrested people in Jakarta. Also, they arrested people in Colombo.
  • B2 style: Indonesian authorities arrested 210 nationals... Furthermore, Sri Lankan authorities have increased their efforts.

3. The Contrast Bridge (Because of)

While A2 students use "because" to start a new sentence, B2 students use "because of" followed by a noun phrase to keep the sentence tight.

  • A2 style: They moved because the laws are stricter.
  • B2 style: ...moving their bases from Cambodia to Indonesia because of stricter laws in Cambodia.

💡 Pro Tip for your transition: Stop starting every sentence with a Subject (He/She/The Police). Try starting your next paragraph with a connector like Consequently or Furthermore to immediately sound more academic and fluent.

Vocabulary Learning

raided
to conduct a sudden attack on a place, especially to seize it or arrest people inside
Example:The police raided the warehouse to find evidence of the crime.
arrested (v.)
to take someone into custody for a crime
Example:The police arrested the suspect at the airport.
detainees
people who are being held in custody
Example:The detainees were questioned by the investigators.
raided (v.)
to enter a place quickly and forcefully to search for illegal items
Example:The police raided the warehouse and seized the contraband.
telemarketing
marketing activity conducted by telephone
Example:The company launched a telemarketing campaign to promote its new product.
detainees (n.)
people held in custody by the authorities
Example:The detainees were questioned by investigators.
fines
monetary penalties imposed as punishment
Example:The company had to pay hefty fines for violating regulations.
managed (v.)
to be in charge of or run something
Example:She managed the project from start to finish.
Interpol
International Criminal Police Organization, a global police agency
Example:Interpol issued a notice for the suspect's arrest.
targeting (v.)
to aim a service or activity at a specific group
Example:The campaign is targeting young adults.
bases
places where a group or organization operates from
Example:The organization moved its bases to a safer location.
fines (n.)
monetary penalties imposed for breaking a law
Example:The company had to pay hefty fines for the violation.
tourist
relating to traveling for pleasure
Example:She used a tourist visa to visit the country.
investment (n.)
the act of putting money into something to gain profit
Example:Her investment in the startup paid off after a year.
expired
no longer valid after the date it was supposed to last
Example:Her passport expired last year.
fraud (n.)
the act of deceiving someone for personal gain
Example:The bank investigated a case of credit card fraud.
government
the group of people who govern a state
Example:The government announced new measures to reduce crime.
criminal (n.)
a person who commits a crime
Example:The criminal was sentenced to ten years in prison.
foreign-run
operated by people from another country
Example:Foreign-run businesses often face stricter regulations.
bases (n.)
main places where activities are carried out
Example:The organization moved its bases to a safer location.
digital
relating to computers or electronic technology
Example:Digital technology has changed how we communicate.
stricter (adj.)
more severe or rigorous
Example:The new regulations are stricter than last year's.
investment
money put into a business or project to earn profit
Example:The investment in renewable energy paid off.
trend (n.)
a general direction in which something is developing
Example:There is a trend toward remote work in many industries.
illegal
forbidden by law
Example:They were caught for illegal gambling.
efforts (n.)
attempts or actions taken to achieve a goal
Example:Her efforts to improve the system were recognized.
targeting
aiming at or focusing on a specific group or area
Example:The campaign is targeting young adults.
stop (v.)
to bring an activity to an end
Example:The manager asked the employees to stop the error.
criminal
related to or engaged in crime
Example:The criminal activity was traced back to the group.
pattern (n.)
a repeated or regular way of doing something
Example:The pattern of traffic congestion repeats every weekday.
telecommunications (n.)
the transmission of information over distances by electronic means
Example:Telecommunications companies provide internet and phone services.
visa (n.)
an official document allowing entry into a country
Example:She applied for a tourist visa before her trip.
short-term (adj.)
lasting for a brief period of time
Example:They signed a short-term contract for the summer project.
tourist (adj.)
relating to people who travel for pleasure
Example:The tourist attractions are open every day.
illegal (adj.)
not permitted by law
Example:The illegal sale of drugs is punishable by law.
expired (adj.)
no longer valid because the time limit has passed
Example:The passport had expired before the trip.
foreign‑run (adj.)
operated by people from another country
Example:The foreign‑run company hired local staff.
digital (adj.)
using or relating to computers or electronic technology
Example:Digital records are easier to store than paper ones.
crime (n.)
an illegal act that is punishable by law
Example:The crime of theft was reported to the police.
groups (n.)
collections of people with a common purpose
Example:The groups of volunteers helped rebuild the village.
countries (n.)
nation-states with their own government and borders
Example:Many countries cooperate on environmental protection.