Cambodia Cracks Down on Online Scams: Over 4,800 Arrested, 77 Police Officers Disciplined

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – As of September 2026, a total of 4,834 individuals, including Cambodian nationals and foreigners, have been arrested and imprisoned in 23 correctional centers and prisons across the country for their involvement in online scams. This significant crackdown underscores the Cambodian government's firm stance against crimes perpetrated through technological means. According to Touk Sokh, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, among the incarcerated individuals, 491 are Cambodian citizens, while 4,343 are foreign nationals from 27 different nationalities. These detainees are categorized into four groups based on their legal proceedings. The first category comprises 4,168 defendants charged by the prosecutor's offices in provincial and municipal courts. The second group consists of 441 individuals under the court's investigation and inquiry procedures. The third category includes 194 offenders who have been tried and convicted by the court, but whose verdicts are not yet final as they retain the right to appeal. The fourth category involves 31 convicts who have received final judgments and are currently serving their sentences as determined by the court. Mr. Sokh further specified that five correctional centers and prisons across the nation house the largest numbers of individuals involved in online scams. These locations include the Svay Rieng Provincial Prison, Sihanoukville Provincial Prison, Banteay Meanchey Provincial Prison, Correctional Center 1 (M1), and Koh Kong Provincial Prison. In parallel, 77 Cambodian national police officers have faced disciplinary action in connection with these online scam offenses. Mr. Sokh stated that the Ministry of Interior has implemented stringent internal measures against these officers, commensurate with the severity of their offenses and involvement. For less serious infractions, disciplinary actions, as outlined in the "Prakas on National Police Disciplinary Offenses 2024," have been applied. These range from warnings and demotions to temporary suspension of duty and salary, and in some cases, removal from position or dismissal from the force. If any officer is found to be seriously involved and implicated in criminal offenses, their case will be forwarded to the court for prosecution according to due legal process, with no exceptions. This comprehensive approach indicates that the crackdown on online scams is not only targeting the perpetrators and scam networks but also reinforcing the discipline and accountability of law enforcement officials involved, reflecting a broader effort to enhance public safety and the integrity of the legal system in Cambodia.