Cambodia Deports Over 15,000 Foreign Nationals Tied to Online Crime

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.08, 2025) — Cambodia has deported more than 15,000 foreign nationals linked to online criminal activity over the past two years, Interior Minister Sar Sokha said, underscoring the government’s intensified crackdown on cybercrime.

Speaking at a national workshop on cyber scams and money laundering in Phnom Penh on Oct. 8, Sokha said the deportations occurred during the current seventh legislative mandate of the National Assembly, which began in mid-2023.

“These actions reflect the Royal Government’s strong political will to tackle online crimes,” Sokha told attendees, including senior police officials, government leaders and cybersecurity experts.

He added that during the previous sixth mandate, led by former Prime Minister Hun Sen and then-Interior Minister Sar Kheng, approximately 21,000 foreign nationals were deported over five years for similar offenses.

Sokha, who also serves as deputy prime minister, warned that cybercrime operations are evolving rapidly and becoming more sophisticated, posing a growing threat to Cambodia and the broader region.

“Cambodia cannot face this challenge alone,” he said. “We urge all governments to join hands in addressing this global issue.”

He emphasized that Cambodia must not become a haven for cybercriminals and called for coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies, governments and technology partners worldwide.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak said Cambodian authorities have taken a firm stance against human trafficking, including passing new laws, forming anti-trafficking committees and launching coordinated crackdowns on online scam networks.

“We have implemented strict legal measures, arrested suspects, deported foreign nationals and brought ringleaders to court,” Sokhak said. “We will continue to clean the country of these crimes.”

However, Am Sam Ath, operations director of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), said the government lacks the political will to seriously address human trafficking, particularly in the context of online scams.

He warned that such crimes have wide-ranging consequences, affecting tourism, foreign investment, public safety and social stability.

Sam Ath urged the government to enforce laws impartially, eliminate corruption and take action regardless of the rank or status of those involved.

“The government must strengthen cooperation with regional partners and the international community, and improve the professionalism of law enforcement officers to tackle emerging forms of trafficking,” he said.

Cambodia has faced growing international scrutiny in recent years over the rise of cybercrime and human trafficking networks, many involving foreign nationals operating illegal online schemes from within the country.