Cambodia Launches Sweeping Crackdown on Tech Fraud, Thousands Detained

PHNOM PENH, Feb 5, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian authorities have stepped up a nationwide campaign against technology-based fraud, raiding nearly 200 sites and detaining more than 2,500 suspects in the first month of operations, officials said Thursday.

The Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) said police carried out coordinated raids between January and early February, targeting 190 locations, including 44 casinos in provinces such as Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kandal, Svay Rieng, Phnom Penh, Pursat, Prey Veng and Mondulkiri. Computers, mobile phones, SIM cards and other equipment were seized, with case files prepared for prosecution.

Authorities said 2,508 suspects of seven nationalities — including Chinese, Nepalese, Malaysian, Lao, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens — were detained. Several major criminal networks were dismantled, with ringleaders referred to the courts.

Investigators also uncovered scams involving impersonation of law enforcement officials to defraud victims overseas.

Officials said the crackdown has triggered a sharp rise in foreign departures, with more than 110,000 nationals of six countries leaving Cambodia in the same period.

The Justice Ministry reported that courts have handled 37 major fraud cases in the past eight months, convicting 172 ringleaders and deporting more than 9,000 foreign nationals.

CCOS said the campaign underscored Cambodia’s determination to protect economic security and social order, warning that the country would not serve as a haven for transnational crime.