Phnom penh: Cambodian authorities have conducted a sweeping nationwide operation targeting online scam operations, leading to the arrest of 1,362 suspects and the seizure of significant evidence. The crackdown, coordinated by the Secretariat of the Ad Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams, underscores Cambodia’s intensified efforts to curb technology-enabled fraud.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the operation, which ran from June 27 to July 16, 2025, followed the inaugural meeting of the Ad Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams on June 27 and a subsequent directive issued by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet on July 14. Unified command forces across Phnom Penh and all 25 provinces participated in targeted raids to dismantle scam networks.
Authorities conducted administrative and enforcement operations at 20 locations spanning seven provinces-Phnom Penh, Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Speu, Banteay Meanchey, Kratie, and Pursat. A total of 1,362 individuals were arrested, including 224 women. The arrests included a significant number of foreign nationals: 347 Vietnamese (64 women); 271 Indonesian (45 women); 226 Chinese (23 women); 57 Korean (2 women); 37 Taiwanese; and others including Thai, Bangladeshi, and Burmese nationals.
A wide array of items crucial to online scam operations were confiscated, including desktop and laptop computers, mobile phones, ecstasy powder, firearms, ammunition, and other related materials. Following the arrests, authorities secured the raided locations, restricting access, while alleged masterminds were swiftly referred to the courts.
In Phnom Penh alone, 11 suspected ringleaders and associated evidence have been sent for legal proceedings. Furthermore, authorities are coordinating with the General Department of Immigration to facilitate the transfer of foreign nationals to detention centres for eventual deportation. All evidence seized during the operations has been submitted to the courts, with additional items remaining under the custody of municipal and provincial authorities to support ongoing investigations.