19 Foreigners Arrested in Phnom Penh for Tech Scams

• 19 foreigners arrested. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court ordered pretrial detention of 19 foreigners in three separate tech scam cases.
• New anti-cybercrime law. The arrests are the first applications of Cambodia's recently enacted law against cyber scams.
• Ongoing operations. Authorities are intensifying raids against digital criminal networks across the country.
• Risks for expats. Any involvement, even indirect, in suspicious activities can lead to severe criminal prosecution.
• Judicial follow-up. Detainees await trial; sentences can range up to several years in prison.

Cambodian authorities have stepped up their fight against cybercrime since the adoption of the new law. Here are the key steps in this case.

1. May 2026: Adoption of the new anti-cybercrime law by the National Assembly, providing heavy penalties for tech scams.
2. Early June 2026: Launch of targeted operations by the Phnom Penh judicial police against suspected online scam networks.
3. Mid-June 2026: Simultaneous raids at three separate locations in Phnom Penh, resulting in the arrest of 19 foreigners.
4. June 21, 2026: The Phnom Penh Municipal Court orders pretrial detention of the 19 suspects pending trial.
5. Next steps: In-depth investigation and trial expected in the coming months; authorities call for reporting any suspicious activity.

The 19 arrested foreigners are involved in three separate cases. Here is the breakdown by case and presumed nationality (based on initial information).

• Local authorities in Siem Reap may intensify checks in expat-frequented areas, especially cybercafés and coworking spaces.
• Expats must be extremely cautious with suspicious job offers, particularly those related to online trading, customer support, or call centers.
• Residence permits may face stricter scrutiny, especially for nationals from high-risk countries.
• Landlords should verify tenant activities to avoid being implicated in criminal cases.
• Expats involved in legitimate tech or digital marketing activities should document their operations to prove compliance.

1. Step 1: Always verify your employer's legitimacy. Beware of offers that are too good to be true or companies with no clear online presence.
2. Step 2: Never lend your ID documents or passport to third parties, even for administrative procedures.
3. Step 3: Report any suspicious activity to local authorities (police station or anti-cybercrime hotline).
4. Step 4: Stay informed about legislative developments through reliable sources like the Phnom Penh Post or embassies.
5. Step 5: Avoid working in unregulated sectors such as online gambling or unlicensed trading platforms.
6. Step 6: Keep copies of your employment contracts and professional activity documents.
7. Step 7: When in doubt, contact your embassy or a lawyer specialized in Cambodian law.