Cambodia: 1 Arrested in Social Media Romance Scam; Cybercrime Unit Cracks Down

Cambodia's cybercrime unit has arrested one suspect in connection with a romance scam conducted via social media. The operation, which followed the directives of National Police Chief General S. Thet and Deputy General Director Lieutenant General S. Thet, took place on September 8, 2026. In collaboration with the Phnom Penh Municipal Court prosecutor's office, the department apprehended the suspect identified as S.C.N., a Cambodian female. Investigations revealed that the suspect had provided her phone number and bank account to a criminal group, receiving compensation for these illicit activities. The criminal group then utilized these phone numbers and bank accounts to receive proceeds from their fraud schemes targeting citizens. The suspect is currently detained by the cybercrime unit and has been transferred to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court prosecutor's office for further legal proceedings. The department reiterates its warning to the public against providing personal phone numbers and bank accounts to individuals whose sources are not clearly identified, as these may be used for criminal activities, potentially leading to legal consequences for the provider.