AKP Phnom Penh, July 23, 2026 --

Phnom Penh authorities have detained 25 foreign nationals following a raid on a residential location suspected of running an illegal online investment scam operation, city officials said Thursday.

The joint law enforcement operation was conducted on July 22 evening at a villa in Khan Tuol Kouk, led by the Phnom Penh Municipal Unity Command under the direction of Governor Khuong Sreng with coordination from Deputy Prosecutor Toch Oudom of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

According to Phnom Penh Municipal Administration spokesperson Ms. Dor Samphors, officers inspected House No. 006 on Street 568 in Sangkat Boeung Kak II, uncovering an active fraudulent online scheme.

Authorities arrested 25 suspects, including four women, belonging to two nationalities: 21 Chinese nationals and four Myanmar nationals.

Officials noted that 17 of the Chinese suspects lacked passports, while two were in possession of forged documents.

Law enforcement officers also seized evidence used in the illicit operation, including 13 laptops, 16 all-in-one desktop computers, seven mobile phones, five Wi-Fi routers, one monitor, six valid passports, and three forged passports.

Forensic analysis conducted by the Cybercrime Unit of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Headquarters confirmed that the electronic devices were utilised to carry out online fraudulent investment scams.

Under the instruction of municipal leadership and police chief authorities, and with the approval of the deputy prosecutor, all 25 suspects and confiscated evidence were handed over to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Headquarters for further legal proceedings. The villa involved in the operation has been temporarily sealed.

By K. Rithy Reak