Sri Lanka has intensified efforts to address emerging cyber scam operations and the trafficking of people for forced criminal activities, with the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) holding a development partners’ briefing in Colombo.
The session, titled “Emerging Cyber Scam Operations in Sri Lanka and Trafficking in Persons for Forced Criminality,” brought together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives and development partners to examine regional developments, possible risks to Sri Lanka and measures to improve early detection and coordinated responses, the Ministry of Defence said.
Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of the NAHTTF, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), participated in the programme along with officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Computer Crime Investigation Division and the NAHTTF Coordinating Committee.
Representatives from the Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and British High Commissions, the Embassies of Japan and the United States, and the European Union also took part in the discussions.
IOM Chief of Mission Kristin Parco, Head of the Protection Unit Minoli P. Don and other IOM officials represented the organisation.
The discussions examined the growing and evolving nature of transnational cyber scam networks and their links to human trafficking for forced criminality. According to the IOM, victims may be deceived through fake employment offers, transported across borders and subsequently subjected to coercion, threats, debt bondage, confinement and other forms of exploitation before being forced to engage in cyber-enabled criminal activities.
The briefing highlighted the importance of identifying indicators of trafficking at an early stage and strengthening mechanisms for referring, protecting and assisting potential victims.
IOM Chief of Mission Kristin Parco emphasised the need to develop specialised technical expertise to identify and respond to trafficking associated with cyber scam operations, while also supporting stronger regional cooperation.
The NAHTTF outlined Sri Lanka’s priorities under its four-pillar approach of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership.
The task force identified public awareness, victim identification and referral systems, digital and financial investigation capabilities, intelligence and information sharing, and stronger cooperation between government agencies, law enforcement bodies, international organisations, the private sector and regional partners as key areas requiring further development.
Authorities also highlighted the importance of screening individuals encountered in connection with cyber scam operations, including foreign nationals, for possible signs of human trafficking. Those identified as potential victims should be provided with appropriate referral, protection and assistance, officials stressed.
The briefing forms part of Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to enhance national preparedness against emerging regional threats linked to cyber-enabled crime and trafficking for forced criminality.
It also provided a platform for the government and development partners to explore opportunities for technical cooperati
