Eight Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to flee to Serbia on fake visa. The arrests were made as part of a joint operation by officials from the Immigration Department's Border Surveillance Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department. The first suspect was captured while attempting to board Qatar Airways aircraft KR-655 to Doha. Airline personnel grew concerned about his Serbian visa, which had been filed for clearance, and turned him over to the Border Surveillance Unit. After an investigation, it was determined that the visa was bogus.

Further investigation found that another Bangladeshi national, who had assisted the first suspect, was waiting in the airport's guest lounge. Following his detention, investigators learned of six additional Bangladeshi nationals residing at a Negombo resort and intending to fly to Serbia. CID officers raided the lodge, apprehended the remaining suspects, and turned them over to the Immigration Department's Border Enforcement Unit. The accused were later taken to the CID for further investigation.It was also discovered that the Bangladeshis arrived in Sri Lanka in September.