319 Chinese Expelled for Online Scams: Cambodia Cracks Down

• 319 Chinese nationals expelled. Including 13 women, all involved in online scams.
• Expulsion date: June 22, 2026.
• Reasons: Illegal stay, unauthorized work, participation in online scams.
• Operation led by: Cambodian immigration authorities.
• Impact: Strengthened security and law enforcement for expats.

The expulsion operation is part of a series of measures taken by Cambodia to combat cyber scams.

1. 2025-2026: Increase in reports of online scams involving foreigners.
2. Early June 2026: Targeted raids in several provinces, identification of networks.
3. June 22, 2026: Expulsion of 319 Chinese, including 13 women, via the international airport.
4. Next steps: Strengthened border controls and employment checks.

The 319 expelled individuals break down as follows:

• Reduced risk of online scams targeting expats and tourists.
• Stricter immigration checks: be ready to show your documents.
• Less unfair competition for legitimate businesses employing foreigners.
• Improved reputation of Siem Reap as a safe destination.
• Local authorities are more responsive to reports of suspicious activity.

1. Check your visa: Make sure it is valid and matches your activity (tourism, work, retirement).
2. Get a work permit: If you work in Cambodia, even as a freelancer, find out the procedures.
3. Report suspicious activity: Contact local police or your embassy if you witness scams.
4. Use secure connections: Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
5. Beware of too-good-to-be-true offers: Online scams often target expats with promises of easy money.
6. Stay informed: Follow local news from reliable sources like the Khmer Times.