AKP Phnom Penh, July 07, 2026 --

Cambodian authorities swept 94 properties across Phnom Penh on Monday night in a coordinated anti-cybercrime operation, resulting in the arrest of eight foreign nationals.

The citywide inspections, ordered by Governor Khuong Sreng, targeted condominiums, boreys, guesthouses, and hotels across all 14 Khans (districts). According to spokesperson Ms. Dor Samphors, officials checked 286 foreigners – 84 of whom were women – and identified three individuals without valid passports.

The operation’s primary breakthrough occurred at a residence in Borey Bunly, in Khan Dangkor, where police dismantled an active tech-scam cell. Detained at the scene were seven Bangladeshi men and one Myanmar woman, three of whom were undocumented.

Seized evidence included 12 laptops, 17 smartphones, networking equipment, USB drives, and 49 counterfeit U.S. bank notes. Forensic analysis by the Anti-Cybercrime Bureau confirmed the group operated a "pig-butchering" scheme – using romantic lures to steer victims into fake investments, with targets primarily in the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.

All suspects and confiscated materials have been transferred to Phnom Penh Municipal Police Headquarters for prosecution.

By K. Rithy Reak