AKP Phnom Penh, May 05, 2026 -- Cambodian authorities on Monday raided a suspected illegal detention and online scam operation at a condominium in Phnom Penh’s Khan Boeung Keng Kang, rescuing a Japanese man and detaining 16 foreign nationals.

The operation, targeting the Provance condominium in Sangkat Boenug Keng Kang 1, was executed under orders from Phnom Penh Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng and Municipal Police Chief Chuon Narin. The raid followed a tip-off received via a police hotline and was coordinated by Seng Heang, Deputy Prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

During the intervention, police uncovered three distinct criminal cases within the premises: Authorities rescued a Japanese man who had reportedly been lured from Banteay Meanchey province. 

Investigators believe he was being held for further human trafficking to an undisclosed location; Four Chinese nationals were arrested after police discovered a "fake studio" used for identity theft and online fraud. Officers seized 127 mobile phones, four all-in-one computers, and several sets of computer hardware; Twelve additional foreign men of Chinese and Vietnamese nationality were detained for residing in the country without valid legal documentation.

The suspects and seized evidence were transferred to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Headquarters for further legal proceedings.

The crackdown follows a stern directive from Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, who has ordered an uncompromising offensive against cybercrime. The Prime Minister emphasised that law enforcement efforts would be relentless, dismissing rumors that the crackdown would soften following the Khmer New Year period.

"The law is in place, and it must be enforced strictly and effectively without exception," the Prime Minister stated.

The operation comes shortly after Cambodia enacted the Law on Combating Technology-enabled Scams,on April 7, 2026. The new legislation established five specific criminal offenses, including the organisation of scam centres and the recruitment of personnel for cyber fraud.

Under the new legal framework, perpetrators face maximum penalties of life imprisonment and fines of up to 1 billion Riel (US$250,000), alongside the seizure of assets.

By K. Rithy Reak