Cambodia Deports 406 Foreigners in Crackdown on Online Scams

PHNOM PENH, Feb 2, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has deported 406 foreign nationals as part of a sweeping crackdown on illegal activities and online scams, the General Department of Immigration announced.

The deportations, carried out on January 31 under orders from Interior Ministry leadership, involved nationals from nine countries — including China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Uganda, Nigeria, South Korea, India, Thailand, and Sierra Leone.

Among them were 28 women and 140 Chinese citizens. Authorities said the cases were linked to illegal border crossings, unlawful residence and employment, and the use of fake QR codes.

The move coincided with a massive police raid in Bavet City, where more than 2,000 foreign nationals were detained at a suspected online scam compound. The operation, led by National Police Chief Sar Thet, targeted 22 buildings in the Wan Cheng (A7) casino zone and mobilized 700 specialized officers.

Thourn Sinan, president of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter, said the crackdown would help restore investor confidence and strengthen Cambodia’s reputation.

“Scams are a major obstacle to Cambodia’s economic development. They erode trust and damage the country’s image,” he said. “The government’s actions will significantly help rebuild global confidence.”

Socio-economic researcher Chey Tech echoed the sentiment, noting that the measures demonstrate a strong commitment to eliminating scams and supporting tourism recovery.

Police data show that in the first nine months of 2025, authorities conducted 48 operations, sent 168 suspects to court, and deported 2,722 foreigners. Earlier, alleged ringleader Chen Zhi and associates were arrested and deported to China following a months-long investigation.