KATHMANDU: China on Tuesday said its 122 citizens were arrested in Kathmandu as a part of a joint action carried out by Nepal and China.

Speaking at a regular press briefing at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said those arrested were involved in cross-border cybercrimes.

“Based on my information at present, these citizens are suspected of engaging in cross-border cyber fraud activities. The case is still under investigation. This is a major operation conducted in collaboration by the Chinese and Nepali police,” he said.

He added that they will continue to work with Nepal to enhance cooperation in various fields, including law enforcement, to fight cross-border crime and facilitate friendly exchange between the two peoples.

On Monday, police had rounded 122 Chinese nationals from different parts of Kathmandu Valley for their alleged involvement in different criminal activities.

According to a high-placed source, a Chinese team that had arrived Kathmandu some 10 days ago, had been closely watching the activities of the illegal Chinese nationals who were involved in criminal activities after arriving in Nepal on a tourist visa.

They have been accused of banking crime and online gambling among other cybercrimes in China from their hideouts in Nepal.

The source added that the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu was directly involved in the crackdown.