Cambodia Cracks Down on Online Scams, Arrests 2,773 in One Year; International Conference Planned

Cambodia's year-long crackdown on online scam operations has led to the arrest of 2,773 individuals and the placement of over 2,200 under pretrial detention, according to a government announcement following a Cabinet meeting. The campaign, which ran from July 2025 to June 2026, addressed 268 cases, with 313 Cambodian nationals among those detained. Cambodia has long been identified as a major hub for online scam activities, with the United Nations estimating that at least 100,000 people have been forced to work in scam compounds across the country. The government stated that the year-long campaign "exceeded expectations" by dismantling criminal organizations and enhancing Cambodia's international reputation. During the crackdown, authorities raided 665 locations suspected of online scam links and inspected 195 casinos. Consequently, 19 casino licenses were revoked, 30 casinos were suspended, and 23 ceased operations after their licenses expired. The remaining inspected casinos were found not to be involved in scam operations. Authorities also deported approximately 21,000 foreign nationals from 38 countries, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, and Bangladeshi nationals, for involvement in scam operations. This intensified effort followed growing international pressure, including U.S. sanctions targeting individuals linked to online scam operations, human trafficking, and money laundering. Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that while many large scam compounds were dismantled, remaining operations have become "smaller, more fragmented and harder to detect," reiterating a commitment to continue the crackdown. He also noted that several high-ranking officials were removed from their positions after evidence linked them to online scam activities. Am Sam Ath, operations director at rights group Licadho, called the figures a positive step in dismantling online scam operations. However, he urged the government to investigate all allegations transparently, including those involving senior officials, to demonstrate its commitment and restore public and international trust. He also cautioned Cambodian citizens against fraudulent job offers promising high salaries, warning they could lure people into working at scam compounds or smaller online scam operations. To further strengthen international cooperation against cyber-enabled crime, Cambodia is set to host the International Conference on Anti-Online Scams in Phnom Penh in September. The conference is expected to gather ministerial-level representatives from 16 countries, senior technical officials from 14 countries, and delegates from six international organizations. Information source: CamboJA News