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Cambodia Cracks Down on Online Scam Hub in Poipet, Detains Over 200 Foreigners
Cambodian authorities have busted a major online scam operation in Poipet city, Banteay Meanchey province, detaining over 200 foreigners. A Cambodian man suspected of leasing the premises to the criminal group was also arrested. Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated Cambodia's stance against becoming a haven for tech criminals.
In Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodian authorities on August 21, 2026, apprehended a Cambodian man named Um Sopal, identified as the owner of two buildings in Poipet city's O'Chrov commune, suspected of leasing the premises to cybercriminals engaged in online scams. The arrest followed a raid on two locations: a 5-story building with 172 rooms and a hall, and a 2-story building with 59 rooms and a hall. These sites are believed to have been utilized for online fraud activities. According to a report from the Secretariat of the Inter-Ministerial Committee to Combat Cyber Fraud (ICCC), the operation led to the discovery and detention of over 200 foreigners. Among them were 174 Thai nationals (67 female), 10 Bangladeshi (male), 8 Indonesian (male), 3 Filipino (female), 2 Chinese (male), 2 Indian (1 female), and 1 Malaysian (male). Additionally, 23 Cambodian nationals (15 female) were detained. The foreign nationals have been transferred to various detention centers, including the Kang Vear Center in the province, the Provincial Police Headquarters, and the Poipet City Police Inspectorate. Authorities seized a quantity of suspected equipment and evidence, which have been sent to the Provincial Police Headquarters for further legal proceedings. The two buildings have been temporarily sealed pending further notice. Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has clearly stated that Cambodia will not be a place for technology criminals to operate scams or commit cross-border offenses. He emphasized that any individuals or entities behind these fraudulent activities will face the maximum penalties without leniency or intervention. From July 2025 to the end of August 2026, Cambodian law enforcement agencies have cracked down on 663 online scam locations, with 86 scam compounds being closed and managed under legal procedures. Concurrently, over $300 million in bank accounts have been frozen, and other assets are undergoing confiscation and valuation procedures. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Security
Original source
Kampuchea Thmey Security