Amnesty Denounces Partial Crackdown on Scam Compounds in Cambodia

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Updated 2026-06-09 5 min

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In short

Compounds identified

Compounds targeted

June 9, 2026

Report date

Amnesty International

Source

86 compounds identified. Amnesty International has counted 86 sites dedicated to online scams across Cambodia.
Only 24 targeted. Cambodian authorities have raided only 24 of these compounds, or 28%.
Report published June 9, 2026. Amnesty's findings were made public on this day.
Government rejection. The Cambodian government disputes the numbers and the effectiveness of the crackdown.
Expat impact. Expats, especially in Siem Reap, are exposed to risks of scams and human trafficking.

Here are the key steps in this case.

2023-2025: Proliferation of scam compounds in Cambodia, often involving forced foreign workers.
Early 2026: Amnesty International conducts a field investigation and identifies 86 active compounds.
March 2026: The Cambodian government announces a crackdown campaign against online scams.
June 2026: Amnesty publishes its report, claiming only 24 compounds were actually targeted.
June 9, 2026: The government officially rejects Amnesty's conclusions, calling the report biased.
Next steps: Amnesty calls for stronger action; expats are urged to report any suspicious activity.

Amnesty's report does not provide a detailed breakdown by province, but here are the key segments mentioned.

Segment	Figure	Detail
Compounds identified	86	Sites dedicated to online scams, mainly in border and tourist areas.
Compounds targeted by raids	24	Operations carried out by Cambodian authorities since March 2026.
Estimated victims	Several thousand	Foreign workers forced to participate in scams, including nationals from Asian and African countries.
Nationalities involved	Not specified	Victims mainly come from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and West Africa.

Increased vigilance. Expats should be aware that scam networks may operate nearby, even in tourist areas.
Job trap risks. Beware of too-good-to-be-true job offers in online gaming or digital marketing.
Mandatory reporting. Any suspicious activity must be reported to local authorities or the relevant embassy.
Data protection. Avoid sharing personal information with strangers, especially online.
Support network. Join expat groups to exchange information about risky areas.

Step 1: Always verify the legitimacy of a job offer before accepting. Contact the company directly through official channels.
Step 2: Never hand over your passport to an employer. Keep it in a safe place.
Step 3: Report any suspicious compound to authorities via emergency number 117 or your embassy.
Step 4: Use VPNs and strong passwords to protect your data online.
Step 5: Stay informed through reliable sources like Cambodianess or your embassy's alerts.
Step 6: Avoid areas known to host compounds, especially Poipet, Bavet, and Sihanoukville.
Step 7: If in doubt, contact a lawyer or an NGO specializing in combating human trafficking.

What is a scam compound?

These are enclosed sites where workers are forced to participate in online scams, such as romance scams or fake investments.

Where are these compounds located in Cambodia?

Mainly in border areas (Poipet, Bavet) and tourist cities like Sihanoukville. Siem Reap is less affected, but vigilance is still required.

What is the Cambodian government doing?

The government claims to conduct regular raids, but Amnesty believes the actions are insufficient. Authorities reject these criticisms.

How can expats protect themselves?

By verifying job offers, not handing over their passport, reporting suspicious activities, and using online security tools.

What should I do if I am a victim or witness a scam?

Contact local police immediately (117) and your embassy. NGOs like LICADHO can also provide assistance.

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Siem Reap Hub

The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia