Phnom Penh Cracks Down on Online Scam Hub, Detains 17 Bangladeshis

Phnom Penh authorities have continued their crackdown on online scams, with a recent operation on September 8, 2026, at approximately 4:40 PM. Forces from the Phnom Penh Capital Administration's Unified Command conducted a raid on a house located on Street 68K, Prey Sala Village, Kakab 2 Sangkat, Por Sen Chey District, believed to be an online scam hub. The operation was carried out under the direct orders of Mr. Khuong Sreng, Governor of Phnom Penh, and Lieutenant General Chuon Narinth, Deputy Commissioner General of National Police and Commissioner of Phnom Penh Municipal Police. The raid was led by Major General Bun Sossikha, Deputy Commissioner of the Security Department, with legal procedural coordination provided by Mr. Nhean Bor, Deputy Prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. During the operation, 17 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended. Among them, 3 possessed valid passports and visas, 8 had passports but their visas had expired, and 6 were found to be residing illegally without passports. Seized evidence included 2 All-in-One computers, 1 laptop, and 34 mobile phones (22 personal phones belonging to the suspects and 12 used for illicit activities). Expert analysis by the authorities revealed that the location was involved in "Online Scams." The suspects allegedly impersonated World Bank employees to offer fraudulent loans, targeting victims in Bangladesh. The suspects and seized evidence have been transferred to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Headquarters to undergo legal procedures before being sent to court.