Police Say No Leniency for Online Scam in Cambodia After Over 2,000 Arrests in Single Raid

SVAY RIENG, Cambodia, Feb 1, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodian police detained more than 2,000 foreign nationals in a major raid on a suspected online scam compound in Bavet City, officials said Sunday.

The operation, carried out early Saturday in the Wan Cheng (A7) casino area, involved 22 buildings and 700 specialized officers, National Police Chief Sar Thet said.

It was led by Deputy Commissioners Chiv Phally and Muong Sothea in coordination with the Svay Rieng provincial prosecutor.

Authorities said 2,044 people were taken into custody, including 1,792 Chinese, 177 Vietnamese, 179 Myanmar, 36 Indians, 30 Nepalese, five Taiwanese, two Lao, one Malaysian and one Mexican national.

Deputy Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak said the crackdown reflects Cambodia’s determination to combat technology-based fraud, echoing Senate President Hun Sen’s warning that the country will not serve as a refuge for criminals.

The policy direction has been set by Prime Minister Hun Manet and Interior Minister Sar Sokha, who have prioritized suppression of online scams.

A government commission dedicated to tackling online fraud was established in February 2025, chaired by the prime minister and including senior interior and police officials.

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

Officials said Cambodia is strengthening law-enforcement cooperation with multiple countries and warned that any officials found complicit or negligent will face dismissal and legal action.