Cambodia shuts down casino linked to alleged online fraud ring

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov03,2025) — Cambodian authorities arrested 23 foreign nationals in a joint operation targeting suspected online fraud activities at the Silver Star Casino in Svay Rieng province, officials said Monday.

The Nov. 1 raid was carried out by the Secretariat of the Commission on Combating Technology-Related Crimes, the Cambodia Commercial Gambling Management Commission, the National Police and the Svay Rieng Provincial Court Prosecutor.

Among those detained were six Sri Lankans, seven Pakistanis, two Filipinos, two Nepalese, one Indian, one Nigerian and one Algerian, whom officials said may have been a victim. Three alleged ringleaders — one Taiwanese and two Malaysians — were also taken into custody.

Police said they seized 24 call center phones, 20 mobile phones and 19 passports during the operation.

Following the raid, the gambling commission suspended the Silver Star Casino’s business license, halting its operations.

The three alleged ringleaders were sent to the Svay Rieng Provincial Court for prosecution under Cambodian law. The remaining 20 foreign nationals were transferred to the General Department of Immigration for deportation proceedings.

The arrests are part of a nationwide crackdown on technology-related crimes, including online scams often operated from casinos and commercial compounds. Authorities said they would continue to pursue legal action against ringleaders and participants in cyber fraud networks.