Cambodia Cracks Down on Cyber Scams, Arrests Over 20,000 Suspects in First Half of 2026

The Ministry of Interior of Cambodia has announced a large-scale crackdown on cyber fraud crimes, with authorities dismantling 488 locations and arresting 20,926 suspects in the first half of 2026. Among those arrested, 2,637 were sent to court, and a significant number were foreign nationals. According to Touch Sokha, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, during this six-month period, officials inspected 28,512 target locations under Decree 03, covering over 100,000 individuals, and conducted over 21,000 street patrols, involving 44,000 people. These operations led to the discovery of 2,340 suspects and related evidence, as well as foreigners without proper documentation. Out of 46,474 foreigners deported from Cambodia, 16,874 were linked to cyber fraud activities and represented 34 nationalities. Within the first half's operational scope, authorities identified 30 victims, including 25 for sexual exploitation and 5 for human trafficking. They arrested 18 suspects and identified 8 more for arrest. Cameras were installed and upgraded at crackdown sites, with 457 units in 20 locations being shut down. Additionally, 521 locations were voluntarily closed by their owners. Investigations into 85 money laundering cases have also been initiated. Specifically in August 2026, authorities continued their crackdown, busting an additional 85 cyber fraud locations and arresting 1,255 suspects from 13 nationalities. A total of 574 individuals from 11 nationalities were deported. Fines totaling 822,240,000 Riel (approximately $200,000 USD) were imposed on owners and managers of these illegal locations for failing to report the presence of foreigners, in accordance with Prakas No. 03. Source: AKP Khmer