AKP Phnom Penh, August 28, 2026 --

Cambodia has dismantled large-scale online scam operations across the country, with more than 700 suspected locations inspected and no online scam compounds currently remaining, according to H.E. Chhay Sinarith, Senior Minister in charge of Special Mission and Head of the Secretariat of the Ad-Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS).

The Senior Minister made the remarks during a briefing on Cambodia’s nationwide campaign against online scams with nearly 50 representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations in Cambodia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Aug. 27.

H.E. Chhay Sinarith said that from July 2025 to Aug. 20, 2026, specialised law enforcement forces investigated and inspected 793 suspected locations, including 624 sites where actual crackdowns were conducted. Nearly 30,000 suspects of 39 nationalities were detained during the operations.

Authorities also collected evidence from 169 additional locations that had been abandoned by perpetrators who fled before law enforcement arrived.

As part of measures against offenders, Cambodian authorities rescued and deported 58,266 foreign nationals, including 7,282 women. Among them, 22,045 people from 38 nationalities were identified as being directly involved in online scam operations.

Cambodian authorities have also initiated legal proceedings against key offenders, with 408 cases filed and forwarded to the courts. Following judicial procedures, 3,477 suspects from 29 nationalities were arrested and placed in pre-trial detention, while authorities continue pursuing 855 additional suspects under court-issued arrest warrants.

H.E. Chhay Sinarith stressed that Cambodia had brought large-scale online scam activities under control and that no online scam compounds currently remain in the country. He added that strict legal action had also been taken against officials found to have been involved or complicit.

In this regard, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) took action in four cases and arrested 15 senior officials and law enforcement officers, including a deputy prosecutor, a deputy director general of immigration, a deputy commissioner of Phnom Penh Municipal Police, a former director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other police and military officers.

However, the Senior Minister noted that criminal networks have adapted their methods following the dismantling of large-scale compounds. Some groups have shifted to smaller and decentralised operations concealed in guesthouses, condominiums, rental properties, vehicles, and coffee shops.

Cambodian authorities therefore continue investigations and crackdowns against such activities. The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) has also taken action against 27 casinos, revoking the licences of 18 and suspending those of nine, while inspections and legal measures continue against casinos involved in unauthorised online gambling or online sports betting.

Beyond law enforcement, Cambodia is strengthening its legal framework to prevent online scams from recurring. H.E. Chhay Sinarith said the government is accelerating the development of a Draft Cybersecurity Law, a Draft Cybercrime Law, and regulations governing virtual assets, alongside implementation of the Law on Combating Online Scams.

He said these measures demonstrate Cambodia’s political commitment to tackling online crime and strengthening cybersecurity and socio-economic security.

The Senior Minister also announced that Cambodia will host the International Conference on Combating Online Scams on Sept. 23-24, 2026, under the theme “Acting Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams.”

The conference will bring together government representatives, international organisations, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, technology companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders to exchange experiences and best practices and strengthen international cooperation against online scams.

H.E. Chhay Sinarith called for active participation from all parties, stressing that online scams are a complex global crime that requires concrete international cooperation. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s readiness to work with international partners to prevent the resurgence of online scams and contribute more actively to regional and global efforts to combat the threat.

By C. Nika