AKP Phnom Penh, February 19, 2026 -- Cambodian authorities on Thursday raided and shuttered several sites suspected of housing illegal online scam operations in the border province of Pailin, marking the latest escalation in the Kingdom’s nationwide effort to dismantle cybercrime networks.

The operation, led by the Pailin Provincial Unified Command under the direction of Governor H.E. Mrs. Ban Sreymom, targeted multiple locations in Phsar Prum village near the Thai border. Local police, acting in coordination with the provincial deputy prosecutor, moved to secure concentrated residential areas frequently used by gambling and fraud syndicates.

Authorities added that the crackdown is part of a broader mandate to scrutinise the residency status of foreign nationals and enhance the effectiveness of anti-human trafficking measures.

In response, the Royal Government has intensified its "Safe Village-Commune" policy, directing provincial governors to eliminate: Illegal online gambling and unlicensed gaming platforms; Cyber-fraud operations targeting domestic and international victims; Unauthorised foreign residency, often linked to the management of these hubs.

It should be noted that under the firm and clear leadership of the Royal Government, headed by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Cambodia has been consistently enforcing the law against online fraud. This includes arresting perpetrators and involved parties for prosecution and implementing procedures for deportation. Furthermore, Cambodia has cooperated in several cases by sharing information about mastermind networks with countries within and outside the region.

By K. Rithy Reak