Cambodia Busts 25 in Online Investment Scam Ring, Many Chinese Nationals

Phnom Penh authorities have busted an online investment scam operation, arresting 25 suspects, including a significant number of Chinese nationals. The operation took place on the night of July 22, 2026, in the Touk Kok district of the capital. According to a spokesperson for the Phnom Penh administration, Mrs. Dou Samphors, the joint task force, under the direct command of Phnom Penh Governor Kuong Sreang, and with the cooperation of Deputy Prosecutors from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, conducted a search of a residential property located at House No. 006, Street 568, Village 4, Boeung Kak II Commune, Touk Kok District. During the operation, authorities discovered that the location was being used for illegal online scam activities, disguised as investment schemes. A total of 25 suspects were apprehended, comprising 21 Chinese nationals and 4 Myanmar nationals. Among the Chinese suspects, 17 were found to be without passports, and 2 were using forged passports. Seized as evidence were various items used in the commission of the crimes, including 13 laptops, 16 All-in-One computers, 7 mobile phones, 5 Wi-Fi routers, 1 monitor, 6 passports, and 3 forged passports. An initial forensic examination by the Cyber Crime Office of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police on the computers and phones concluded that the suspects were engaged in online scam activities, specifically investment fraud. The suspects and the seized evidence have been handed over to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police for further legal proceedings. The villa used by the group has been temporarily sealed off. This bust highlights concerns over foreign nationals engaging in criminal activities within Cambodia, particularly sophisticated online scams targeting investors.