Cambodia Intensifies Crackdown on Online Scams, Premier Visits Affected Areas

The Cambodian government continues to implement stringent measures to eradicate technology-based crimes, particularly online scams, ensuring no location serves as a haven for criminal syndicates. On the morning of Saturday, September 5, 2026, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet personally inspected and monitored progress at sites previously involved in online scam activities in Koh Kong province. This follows law enforcement crackdowns and clean-up operations conducted under the "National Campaign to Eradicate Online Scams." The Prime Minister's visit sends a clear political message to the world that Cambodia will not, and has never, allowed any part of its territory to become a sanctuary for online fraudsters. During his inspection in Koh Kong, he focused on previously "hot" areas, notably the Tarasakor development zone and other suspected locations within the province, which had served as bases for cross-border scam operations. The government is committed to using "iron fists" to sever these networks and end online scams, leaving no room for criminals to operate. It encourages the public and all partners to provide information on suspected online scam locations for swift and effective intervention by the authorities. According to the Secretariat of the Inter-Ministerial Committee to Combat Online Scams (ICCOS), despite the Cambodian authorities having dismantled 86 major scam compounds and cracked down on a total of 663 locations, the mission to combat this type of crime is not yet complete. Currently, these locations have been shut down by law enforcement and local authorities. Major scam hubs and smaller networks have been dismantled, with technological equipment confiscated and premises sealed pending legal confiscation procedures. Authorities are also strengthening security management and conducting regular inspections to prevent the clandestine resurgence of illegal activities. These measures aim to restore Cambodia's image and investor confidence, ensure a legitimate business environment, and boost tourism and local economic development. Based on ICCOS reports, the national campaign has been implemented across all 25 provinces and cities from July 2025 to August 31, 2026. Over this approximately 14-month period, Cambodian authorities have cracked down on 663 locations, including 86 major scam compounds that have been closed and managed for legal confiscation. Concurrently, over US$300 million in bank accounts have been frozen, along with other assets undergoing freezing and valuation procedures. Foreign masterminds and criminal networks have been arrested and are undergoing legal proceedings. Currently, 446 cases are in judicial process, involving 3,927 defendants from 29 nationalities. Legal action is also being taken against officials found to be involved in these crimes. This includes four cases involving 15 suspects, including a deputy prosecutor, a deputy director-general of immigration, a deputy police commissioner of Phnom Penh, a former director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several police and military officers. Furthermore, over 22,000 foreigners from 38 nationalities have been repatriated to their home countries in accordance with legal procedures and human rights standards, with cooperation from relevant embassies. These individuals were rescued and liberated by authorities from illegal labor, exploitation, and inhumane torture by criminal groups. The Prime Minister's direct inspection serves as living testimony to the Cambodian government's unwavering political will to protect its sovereignty and restore and enhance its national honor and prestige on the international stage. ICCOS emphasizes that Cambodia is not only destroying old havens and dismantling criminal networks but is also strengthening its legal mechanisms, continuing to purge offenses, enhancing technological security management, and promoting close international cooperation to absolutely ensure that online scams do not recur. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local