AKP Phnom Penh, May 24, 2026 --

Cambodia’s National Police have intensified operations against online scam networks, detaining more than 3,300 suspects during a nationwide crackdown conducted over the first three weeks of May 2026.

According to a press release issued by the General Commissariat of National Police on May 24, the operations were carried out under the direction of the Royal Government and the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with relevant law enforcement agencies and local authorities.

Between May 1 and May 22, authorities raided 50 locations linked to online scam activities across the country, arresting approximately 3,320 individuals of 32 nationalities.

Of the total, 1,030 individuals representing 16 nationalities were deported in coordination with the General Department of Immigration, while 96 suspects from six nationalities were referred to court for legal proceedings.

Police said 559 individuals of three nationalities found not to be involved in criminal activities were released after receiving educational guidance. Meanwhile, legal procedures remain underway for 1,590 individuals of 16 nationalities at provincial police headquarters, and 45 people from eight nationalities have requested voluntary repatriation to their home countries.

The National Police said the intensive operations have disrupted scam networks, forcing some operators to go into hiding within Cambodia while others fled abroad and attempted to continue fraudulent activities in neighbouring countries.

Alongside the crackdown, local authorities have also implemented administrative measures at collective accommodation sites and imposed fines on several property owners for negligence or for providing illegal accommodation to foreign nationals, in accordance with Sub-Decree No. 03 on security and safety management at collective residential locations.

The General Commissariat of National Police pledged to continue the operations on a permanent basis without relaxation and called on the public not to shelter or provide locations for online scam syndicates. Citizens were also encouraged to report any information related to online scam activities to the authorities to help maintain public order and social security.

By C. Nika