Cambodian authorities have carried out a series of coordinated operations against online scam centres, arresting hundreds of foreign nationals and seizing large quantities of digital equipment. The raids, conducted on 6 and 7 April across Phnom Penh, Banteay Meanchey and Kep, form part of a broader campaign by the government to dismantle transnational cybercrime networks. Details of the operations were reported by Vietnamese media citing official statements and investigative findings from Cambodian authorities, according to the original report.
The operations follow a commitment by the government under Prime Minister Hun Manet to ensure that the country does not serve as a base for international criminal organisations. Officials say the latest actions signal an acceleration of Cambodia’s campaign against cross‑border cybercrime.
Coordinated raids across multiple locations
In Phnom Penh on 6 April, authorities raided a residential compound in the Sen Sok district and detained 218 foreign nationals. Investigators seized more than 170 computers, nearly 400 mobile phones, various information technology devices, police-style uniforms and counterfeit Japanese identification documents.
Preliminary analysis of the digital evidence indicates the group may have operated several types of scams. These included impersonating Japanese police officers to deceive victims, romance fraud schemes, and investment scams targeting individuals in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam.
A second operation in the same district on the same day led to the arrest of 27 additional suspects. Authorities confiscated dozens of laptop computers and more than 200 mobile phones.
Further arrests took place on 7 April in Kep province, where 14 foreign nationals were detained at a rental property suspected of hosting scam operations.
Casino complex in Poipet searched
Another raid targeted a casino–hotel complex in Poipet, located in Banteay Meanchey province near the Thai border. Authorities temporarily detained 139 individuals during the search.
Investigators discovered numerous electronic devices believed to have been used for online fraud on the ground floor of the complex. Upper floors appeared to have been used as living quarters for those involved in the operation.
Thousands of devices seized in wider crackdown
Authorities reported that by 8 April they had conducted more than 20 major raids as part of the broader campaign. Around 5,200 foreign suspects have been detained, while investigators seized more than 15,000 computers and 50,000 mobile phones.
Nearly 30 extradition cases have been processed, representing a 40 per cent increase compared with 2025, according to official figures.
New legislation targets scam centres
The enforcement actions follow the approval of Cambodia’s first law specifically targeting organised online scam centres. The National Assembly passed the legislation on 3 April as part of a broader effort to strengthen legal tools available to investigators.
Justice Minister Keut Rith said the law is designed to reinforce ongoing enforcement operations and prevent the re‑emergence of such centres across the country. He noted that the growth of online scams has had negative consequences for Cambodia’s economy, tourism sector and investment environment.
Under the new legislation, individuals convicted of online fraud may face prison sentences ranging from two to five years and fines of up to US$125,000. Cases involving organised groups or multiple victims can lead to prison terms of up to 10 years and fines reaching US$250,000.
The law also establishes penalties for related activities, including money laundering, collecting victim data and recruiting personnel for scam operations. Leaders of scam centres linked to human trafficking, unlawful detention or torture could face prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines of up to US$500,000.
Regional cybercrime networks remain a concern
A 2023 report by the United Nations estimated that Cambodia, particularly locations such as Poipet and Sihanoukville, hosted large-scale scam call centre operations employing up to 100,000 forced workers and generating billions of US dollars in illicit revenue.
International organisations have described Southeast Asia as a major hub for online scam networks, with criminal groups estimated to extract around US$40 billion each year. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has also warned that these operations are increasingly expanding beyond the region into South America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and parts of the Pacific.
