Koh Kong Authorities Detain 733 Foreigners in Online Scam Crackdown

In a significant operation targeting online scams, authorities in Cambodia's southwestern Koh Kong province have detained a total of 733 foreign nationals. The crackdown, conducted across 38 locations within the province, has also resulted in the seizure of numerous items related to fraudulent activities. On September 17th, Hak Leng, the Deputy Governor of Koh Kong province, disclosed that among the 733 foreigners apprehended, 77 were female, representing nine different nationalities. The breakdown includes 648 Chinese nationals (47 female), 10 Vietnamese (8 female), 2 Laotians (female), 38 Indonesians (12 female), 1 Filipino (female), 21 Japanese (male), 7 Myanmar nationals (4 female), 5 Malaysians (3 female), and 1 Taiwanese (male). In addition to arrests and evidence collection, authorities have imposed fines on location owners and managers for violating Sub-Decree No. 03 Anukret.BK. Specifically, under Article 20 of the sub-decree, fines totaling 88 million Riel (approximately $22,000 USD) were levied against 22 individuals. Furthermore, to enhance surveillance, 55 security cameras have been installed by the Ministry of Interior's General Department of Digital Technology and Dissemination in three key areas: Tarasakor, Krum Prek Sak, and Cham Iam, to monitor activities daily. The provincial authorities and judicial institutions have outlined their future course of action, which includes a commitment to eradicate online scamming from the province, disseminate Sub-Decree No. 03 and relevant laws, conduct regular reports, and carry out administrative inspections. They also plan to intensify investigations into online scams in rented houses, resorts, hotels, and islands, as well as previously raided and closed locations. During a dissemination event on Sub-Decree No. 03, dated January 5th, 2026, concerning the management, security, and safety of residential areas, Koh Kong Governor Chhi Va noted that online scams can occur through various channels, including phone calls, text messages, social media, fake websites, and impersonation tactics. She urged citizens, particularly civil servants, to exercise extreme caution, advising them to "Think before clicking, think before transferring, think before believing." They were also warned against providing confidential or financial information to unknown individuals and clicking on suspicious links or downloading apps from unverified sources. Residents experiencing or suspecting they are victims of online scams are encouraged to promptly report to the relevant authorities for timely legal action. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local