Cambodia Intensifies Fight Against Online Scam Crime

Cambodia has intensified its campaign against online scam operations, reporting thousands of arrests, deportations, and the shutdown of dozens of locations linked to cybercrime networks. Authorities describe the effort as a nationwide priority aimed at improving public safety and reinforcing the country’s international standing.

In a statement released Friday and cited by the Khmer Times, the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit said the crackdown reflects a sustained push to dismantle organized fraud networks operating within Cambodia. Officials emphasized that the campaign targets not only individual offenders but also the broader systems that support illicit activities, including financial channels and physical infrastructure.

Enforcement Efforts Target Scam Centers and Casinos

Government data shows that from July last year to mid-April 2026, authorities conducted operations at more than 250 suspected scam locations across Phnom Penh and other provinces. These actions resulted in the closure of 91 casino sites identified as being tied to fraudulent activities or used as operational fronts.

During the same period, courts received 112 cases involving 1,089 suspects. Those accused include Cambodian nationals as well as individuals from several countries, including China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

Officials also reported large-scale deportations linked to the crackdown. From early last year through April 19, a total of 13,039 foreign nationals from 33 countries were expelled for alleged involvement in scam operations. Among them were 1,509 women. At the same time, enforcement measures appear to have prompted a broader departure of foreign residents, with 241,888 individuals leaving Cambodia voluntarily between mid-January and April.

Authorities say these figures highlight the scale of the operations and the impact on networks that had been operating across borders.

New Legislation Introduces Tougher Penalties

The Cambodian government has paired enforcement actions with expanded legal measures. A new law targeting online scams came into effect in early April, introducing stricter penalties and additional criminal offenses.

Justice Minister Koeut Rith said the legislation should be viewed as part of a broader national effort rather than solely a response to crime. “We must recognise that it provides major benefits for our country, and it is something necessary that we must undertake,” he said. “As I have previously mentioned at this meeting, this law will create five additional criminal offences with heavier penalties. It will also establish special legal procedures to better address scam-related crimes.”

Under the law, severe cases can result in lengthy prison sentences. Operators whose activities lead to fatalities face terms ranging from 15 to 30 years or life imprisonment. Those identified as ringleaders may receive sentences between five and 10 years, increasing to 10 to 20 years in cases involving violence, human trafficking, illegal detention, or forced labor. Lower-level participants can face prison terms of two to five years.

The legislation took effect following approval by the Senate and a royal decree signed by former prime minister Hun Sen in his role as acting head of state.

Leadership Pushes Continued Action

Prime Minister Hun Manet has directed authorities to maintain pressure on cybercrime groups. According to the government, he instructed enforcement agencies to act “without delay, without tolerance, and without exception” in pursuing those involved in scam networks.

At a Council of Ministers meeting on April 23, Hun Manet commended officials and security forces for their progress and ordered operations to continue without interruption. The government dismissed suggestions that enforcement might ease during holidays, including the Khmer New Year, stating that actions would proceed consistently.

Officials also stressed that Cambodia views itself as affected by these crimes. Rith said that foreign groups have used the country as a base to target victims abroad. “They are a concern for Cambodia, for the region, and for the world. Cambodia is also a victim of scam crimes because foreign criminals have used our territory to commit scams while the victims are overseas,” he said.

He added that authorities are pursuing a dual approach: ongoing enforcement operations alongside legal reforms designed to prevent the return of such activities after the current campaign ends.

International Pressure and Regional Cooperation

The crackdown comes amid growing international scrutiny of cybercrime in Southeast Asia. Cambodia has faced increased attention over reports linking scam compounds to human trafficking and forced labor.

Recent diplomatic engagements have underscored the issue’s importance. During a visit to Phnom Penh in April, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged stronger action against cross-border gambling and online fraud, describing them as threats to public safety and regional stability. The topic has become a key point in Cambodia’s relationship with China, particularly as scams have targeted Chinese citizens.

Authorities say they are working with foreign governments, international organizations, and multilateral bodies to investigate cases, extradite suspects, and assist victims. The government also framed the campaign as a long-term effort aimed at restoring confidence among investors and tourists.

Rith emphasized that responsibility extends beyond officials. “We do not want to welcome criminals to Cambodia,” he said. “This responsibility does not belong only to law enforcement officials—citizens must also join efforts to eliminate scams from Cambodia.”