Colombo, Sri Lanka, Oct. 6 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), convened a Development Partners' Briefing on "Emerging Cyber Scam Operations in Sri Lanka and Trafficking in Persons for Forced Criminality" in Colombo on 6 October 2026.
The briefing brought together senior government officials, representatives of diplomatic missions and development partners to discuss evolving regional trends, potential risks to Sri Lanka and opportunities to strengthen early and coordinated responses. The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) in his capacity as Chairman of the NAHTTF, graced the programme alongside representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Computer Crime Investigation Division (CCID) and the NAHTTF Coordinating Committee.
Representatives of the High Commissions of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the Embassy of Japan, the Embassy of the United States, and the European Union and other development partners participated in the event. IOM was represented by its Chief of Mission, Ms Kristin Parco, the Head of the Protection Unit, Ms Minoli P. Don, and other officials.
Discussions examined the emergence and adaptation of transnational cyber scam networks in the region and their links to trafficking in persons for forced criminality. IOM highlighted how individuals may be deceptively recruited through purported employment opportunities, transported across borders and subsequently subjected to coercion, threats, debt bondage, confinement or other forms of exploitation, compelling them to engage inl cyber-enabled criminal activities.
The briefing emphasised the importance of recognising trafficking indicators and strengthening mechanisms for early identification, referral, protection and assistance. Ms Kristin Parco also highlighted the need for specialised technical capacity to identify and respond to trafficking associated with cyber scam operations and contributed to discussions on regional cooperation.
The NAHTTF presented Sri Lanka's perspective and priorities, outlining a coordinated approach based on the four pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. The presentation highlighted the need to strengthen public awareness, victim identification and referral mechanisms, digital and financial investigation capabilities, intelligence and information sharing, and cooperation among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, international organisations, the private sector and regional partners.
Particular emphasis was placed on screening persons encountered in connection with cyber scam operations, including foreign nationals, for indicators of trafficking, and ensuring that those identified as potential victims receive appropriate referral, protection and assistance.
The briefing formed part of Sri Lanka's ongoing efforts to strengthen national preparedness and address emerging regional risks. It provided a platform to explore opportunities for technical cooperation, capacity building, information sharing and cross-border collaboration.
Discussions reaffirmed the importance of early victim identification and a protection-centred, coordinated response, alongside efforts to prevent, detect and investigate cyber-enabled crime and trafficking in persons for forced criminality.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
