Phnom Penh Cracks Down on Online Scams, Raids 58 Locations, Arrests 53 Suspects

Phnom Penh authorities have continued their crackdown on online scams (ONLINE SCAMS), conducting operations at 58 locations and apprehending 53 suspects. The operation identified two cases of fraudulent activity, involving foreign nationals suspected of involvement in job recruitment scams and general online fraud. Ms. Dou Samphos, spokesperson for the Phnom Penh administration, stated on July 28, 2026, that under the direct leadership and command of HE Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh and Head of the Phnom Penh Administrative Unity Command, the administrative unity commands of all 14 districts conducted inspections and disseminated Decree No. 03 on July 27, 2026. The operation targeted condominiums, apartments, boreys, guesthouses, and hotels across the capital, identifying a total of 58 locations suspected of engaging in online scam activities. A total of 533 foreign nationals (148 females) were found residing in these locations, with four individuals found to be without passports. Among the 58 locations, the working group identified two sites where criminal activities were taking place: 1. At Unit D2, 21st Floor, Peninsula Condominium, Keo Chinda Road, Village 3, Sangkat Chroy Changvar, Khan Chroy Changvar, two suspects (male), identified as Chinese and Taiwanese nationals without passports, were apprehended. Seized items included three laptops and eleven mobile phones. An investigation by the Cyber Crime Office of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissioner's Office revealed suspicions of involvement in online scams under the guise of job advertisements. 2. At Hann Yu Property Building A1 (Units 15-33, 16-35, 17-36, 18-36, 19-15) and Building A2 (Units 07-11, 07-25, 13A-26, 13A-30, 17-25, 18-28, 20-25), located at Land Plot No. 7, New Road, Village 15, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmon, 53 suspects (7 females) were arrested. These included 52 Vietnamese nationals (7 females) and one Chinese national (male). Seized items included 88 laptops, 330 mobile phones, 9 All-in-One computers, 7 WiFi routers, and 1 tablet. An investigation by the Cyber Crime Office of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissioner's Office indicated their involvement in online scam activities. With legal facilitation from the Deputy Prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, all suspects and seized evidence have been transferred to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissioner's Office for further legal proceedings.