PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodian authorities have recently arrested 2,044 foreign nationals as part of an ongoing, large-scale crackdown on online scam operations. The arrests, announced Sunday by a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, represent the latest effort by the Cambodian government too dismantle cybercrime networks operating within its borders.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, targeted a sprawling casino complex comprised of 22 buildings in Bavet City, Svay Rieng province, a region bordering Vietnam. Suspects represent eight different nationalities.
“This truly reflects that the Cambodian government will never loosen its crackdowns on online scam criminals,” stated Ministry of Interior Spokesperson Touch Sokhak in an official news release. He further emphasized that Cambodia will not tolerate being used as a base for illicit activities, declaring the nation “not a safe haven, but a hell for criminals.”
This recent action is part of an unprecedented nationwide initiative to combat cyber scams, with the primary goal of safeguarding national security, maintaining public order, and ensuring social safety. The Cambodian government has demonstrated a firm commitment to eradicating these criminal enterprises.
Data released last week by Cambodia’s Ad-Hoc Committee to Combat Online Scams revealed that a total of 5,106 individuals from 23 nationalities have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in online scams over the past seven months. Of those arrested, 4,534 have already been deported to their respective home countries.
The ongoing crackdown underscores Cambodia’s resolve to address the growing threat of cybercrime and protect both its citizens and international victims from fraudulent activities.
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