Phnom penh: Cambodia has deported 312 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in online scam operations, the General Department of Immigration at the Ministry of Interior said. The deportations were carried out on Feb. 8 in coordination with the Chinese embassy, and the group, comprising all men, was flown out on a special flight via Techo International Airport.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the operation was executed following directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha and senior Interior Ministry leadership, with Immigration Director General Lt. Gen. Sok Veasna overseeing the implementation. Authorities described the expulsions as part of the Royal Government of Cambodia's strict enforcement of immigration and criminal laws and a broader campaign to crack down on technology-related crime.

The Royal Government is working to eliminate online fraud networks, protect public security both domestically and internationally, and pursue ringleaders behind such operations without exception, the department said. It added that efforts also include assisting victims who were allegedly lured into participating in scam activities and enabling them to return home.

"The Royal Government remains resolute in its mission to eliminate online fraud operations. Our focus extends beyond arrests; we are actively identifying and assisting victims who were coerced or lured into these illicit activities, ensuring their safe return to their home countries," the department noted.