Online Scam Ring Busted in Poipet, 20 Thais and 1 Cambodian Detained

A Cambodian investigating judge in Banteay Meanchey province, on July 24, 2026, ordered the temporary detention of 20 Thai nationals and one Cambodian in the provincial prison pending trial, in connection with online scam offenses. According to the spokesperson for the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Court, the 20 Thai nationals have been charged by the prosecutor with the crimes of organized online fraud, illegal entry, and money laundering. These offenses allegedly occurred from January 2026 to July 15, 2026, in Toul Prasat village, Poipet city, Banteay Meanchey province. They are accused of violating Article 5 of the Law on Combating Online Fraud, Article 29 of the Law on Immigration, and Article 38 of the Law on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism. Meanwhile, Seng Chim Sotha, a Cambodian male born in 1991, has been charged with conspiracy to organize an online fraud center and money laundering. These offenses also allegedly occurred during the same period and at the same location. He is accused of violating Article 6 of the Law on Combating Online Fraud, Article 29 of the Criminal Code, and Article 38 of the Law on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism. WU HAIBO, a 46-year-old Chinese national who has reportedly fled, has also been charged by the prosecutor with organizing an online fraud center and money laundering. These offenses allegedly took place from January 2026 to July 15, 2026, in Toul Prasat village, Poipet city. The suspects were arrested by Cambodian police on July 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at a two-story building with a ground floor, comprising 16 rooms, located in Toul Prasat village, Poipet city. During the operation, authorities seized evidence suspected to be related to online fraud, including 18 All-in-One computers, 1 laptop, 23 mobile phones, 12 iPads, 1 keyboard, 2 Thai police uniforms, and various documents.