Phnom Penh Cracks Down on 209 Crimes, Arrests 269 Suspects in First Half of Year

The Phnom Penh Capital Administration has announced the crackdown on 209 crimes and the arrest of 269 suspects in the first half of 2026. This figure represents 95.87% of the total 218 criminal cases recorded during the period. The administration is committed to maintaining security and public order in the capital under the "Safe Village-Commune-District" policy. Under the leadership of Governor and Head of the Capital Security Command Kuong Sreng, the administration has prioritized the prevention and suppression of criminal offenses, including drug-related crimes, human trafficking, gang activities, and illegal gambling. The successful crackdown on 209 out of 218 cases highlights these efforts. According to Ms. Dou Samphos, Deputy Director of Administration and spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, Governor Kuong Sreng reported on the progress during a semi-annual review meeting held at the Ministry of Interior on August 3, 2026. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha. Governor Sreng particularly highlighted the ongoing campaign against online scams, aligning with Government Order No. 01 B.B dated July 4, 2025, and Sub-Decree No. 03 Ankr.BK dated January 5, 2026, concerning the security and safety management of collective living areas. Ms. Dou Samphos further elaborated that during the first half of 2026, the Phnom Penh Capital Administration inspected 17,491 collective living locations. They identified 116,700 foreign nationals (including 34,442 women) from 75 nationalities. Of these, 139 locations were involved in online scam activities, leading to the arrest of 2,389 individuals (including 357 women) from 27 nationalities. Various exhibits were also confiscated. Furthermore, the report indicates that from the campaign's launch on July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, the Phnom Penh Capital Committee for Combating Online Scams inspected 19,504 collective living locations. They identified 136,831 foreign nationals (including 40,272 women) from 75 nationalities. Online scam activities were suppressed in 184 cases, resulting in the arrest of 3,660 individuals (including 582 women) from 27 nationalities. Numerous items were seized, and 107 locations were fined a total of approximately 2.756 billion Riel (around $689,000) for intentionally concealing the presence of foreign nationals. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Security