Cambodia says it is not a safe haven for online scam operations

Phnom Penh, Jan 9, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Interior Ministry has reiterated that the country will not tolerate online scam operations, following the arrest and handover of a Chinese businessman accused of fraud.

Deputy ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak said Cambodia would not provide “opportunities, conditions or locations” for criminals to carry out online fraud, stressing the country was not a safe haven for such activities.

His remarks came after the arrest of businessman Chen Zhi on January 6. Cambodian authorities later transferred him to China under bilateral cooperation agreements on cross-border crime suppression.

Sokhak said the government had intensified efforts to combat online scams through awareness campaigns, intelligence gathering, investigations and law enforcement.

He added that arrests and prosecutions were being carried out in line with Cambodian law, including against suspects alleged to be directing operations from abroad.

Foreign nationals deceived or coerced into working at scam centres would be educated before being repatriated, Sokhak said. Some may be permanently barred from re-entering Cambodia.

Authorities have also tightened travel controls for certain foreign nationals.
Cambodia has stepped up action against technology-based fraud in recent years.

During the sixth legislative term, then-prime minister Hun Sen ordered the closure of scam centres nationwide, while a special Interior Ministry task force was created to tackle the issue.

Since taking office, Prime Minister Hun Manet has assumed direct charge of a Special Commission to Combat Technology-Based Fraud, with the stated aim of dismantling online scam networks.

Under a sub-decree signed on January 5, Hun Manet warned that law enforcement officials who fail to carry out their duties or conceal illegal foreign residents in collective housing would face dismissal and criminal prosecution.

Separately, Cambodian People’s Party spokesperson Chea Thyrith said on January 7 that anyone breaking the law would be held accountable, regardless of position.

He added that those attempting to use the names of senior leaders to shield illegal activities would be treated as priority targets by the ruling party.