Nearly 750 Foreign Nationals Arrested in Cambodia Scam Crackdowns
In one of the largest anti-cybercrime operations in Cambodia’s history, authorities detained 746 foreign nationals on July 16 in coordinated raids targeting online scam operations across Phnom Penh and three provinces — Banteay Meanchey, Kratie, and Kampong Speu.
The crackdown, announced by Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra, came just one day after Prime Minister Hun Manet ordered a renewed offensive against cybercriminal networks, many of which are suspected of human trafficking and forced labor.
Mass Arrests Across Four Provinces
In Phnom Penh, Deputy Governor Hun Sorithy led operations in Boeung Keng Kang III and Khmuonh communes, where authorities discovered covert scam centers. The raid led to the arrest of 100 foreign nationals, including 75 Taiwanese, 24 Chinese, and one Vietnamese citizen.
In Banteay Meanchey province, a major raid was conducted in a three-story building in Baliley 2 village, Poipet commune. There, the provincial task force found 271 Indonesian nationals — including 45 women — allegedly engaged in online fraud.
Kratie province saw the largest single operation, where a rented house in Pi Thnou commune, Snuol district, was raided. Authorities detained 312 foreign nationals from several countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, China, and Myanmar. Of those arrested, 56 were women.
In Kampong Speu province, police stormed a guesthouse complex in Roka Koh commune, Kong Pisei district. The operation resulted in the detention of 63 mostly Chinese nationals, including four women.
Seizure of Equipment and Evidence
Authorities confiscated hundreds of phones, computers, and other electronic devices believed to have been used to defraud victims across international borders. All suspects and equipment were handed over to provincial police departments for further investigation and legal action.
“We will take the strictest legal measures against the masterminds involved in these technology-based scams,” a statement from the national police declared.
Growing Crackdown Following Prime Minister’s Order
The July 16 sweep follows a similar operation the previous day in Preah Sihanouk province, where 63 Vietnamese nationals were detained for online scam-related activities. In total, 809 individuals were arrested over the two-day campaign.
The crackdown comes amid rising international pressure on Southeast Asian nations to curb cybercrime networks that often operate out of compounds and special economic zones. These operations have drawn global concern, particularly for their links to human trafficking and forced labor, with many workers reportedly lured under false job promises and then forced to work in scam centers.
Allegations of Corruption
In a development that underscores the challenges facing Cambodian law enforcement, a provincial prosecutor has been temporarily suspended amid allegations that he solicited bribes in exchange for the release of detained suspects. The Ministry of Justice confirmed an investigation is underway.
International Reactions and Legal Proceedings
The arrests involved nationals from more than seven countries, including Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Myanmar, highlighting the international scope of the criminal networks. Cambodian authorities say they are coordinating with foreign embassies and will pursue legal action according to domestic law and relevant bilateral agreements.
Human rights and anti-trafficking groups have long warned that online scam centers in Cambodia and neighboring countries often exploit vulnerable individuals, including those trafficked from abroad. With these latest arrests, Cambodian officials are under pressure to ensure that victims of trafficking are identified and protected, while ringleaders face full prosecution.
The government has pledged to continue its nationwide crackdown and reinforce efforts to dismantle networks operating online fraud rings within its borders.
