securite
Updated 2026-07-22 5 min
In short
- ●Over 200 scam operations dismantled in 7 months in Banteay Meanchey province.
- ●Tens of thousands of foreigners arrested, many deported through the Poipet border checkpoint.
- ●Malai and Svay Chek districts are considered cleaned, but Poipet and Ou Chrov are not yet fully secure.
- ●Expats in Siem Reap should remain vigilant against suspicious job offers and online scams.
200+
Operations Dismantled
7 months (Jan.-Jul. 2026)
Period
Banteay Meanchey (Poipet, Malai, Svay Chek, Ou Chrov)
Location(s)
Phnom Penh Post
Source
Key Facts at a Glance
- 200+ sites dismantled. Banteay Meanchey provincial authorities shut down over 200 online scam operations in seven months.
- Tens of thousands of foreigners arrested. Thousands of foreign nationals were apprehended, mainly Vietnamese, Chinese, Indonesian, and Thai.
- Mass deportations. The General Department of Immigration (GDI) coordinated deportations via the Poipet border checkpoint.
- Poipet not yet cleaned. Governor Oum Reatrey indicated that Poipet and Ou Chrov are not yet fully secure.
- National campaign. Over 45,000 foreigners deported in the first half of 2026, including 16,000 from scam sites.
How It Happened
The anti-scam campaign in Banteay Meanchey province unfolded over several months, with coordinated operations by provincial law enforcement.
- Early 2026: Launch of the intensive campaign against tech fraud in the province.
- January to July 2026: Over 200 operations conducted jointly by police, immigration, and the provincial unified command.
- Mid-July 2026: Governor Oum Reatrey announces that Malai and Svay Chek are considered cleaned, but Poipet and Ou Chrov still require action.
- First half of 2026: Nationally, over 45,000 foreigners deported, including 16,000 arrested at scam sites.
- Early July 2026: 40 additional operations in 8 provinces, with 636 people arrested from 21 nationalities.
- July 22, 2026: Publication of the Phnom Penh Post article detailing the results.
Breakdown
Operations targeted several areas of the province, with varying results by district.
| Area | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Poipet | Not yet cleaned | Major operations still needed; caution required. |
| Malai | Cleaned | Scam operations completely dismantled. |
| Svay Chek | Cleaned | No further activity reported. |
| Ou Chrov | Partially cleaned | Major operations eliminated, but residual cases ongoing. |
| Other provinces (national) | Ongoing | 40 operations in July 2026 across 8 provinces, 636 arrests. |
What This Means for Siem Reap
- Reduced risk of falling for fraudulent job offers from Poipet or neighboring areas.
- Deportees transiting through Poipet may try to reach Siem Reap; stay vigilant against strangers offering dubious services.
- Local authorities are more aware; report any suspicious activity to the tourist police.
- Expats working in digital fields should verify their professional contacts to avoid association with scam networks.
- Checkpoints on roads between Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey may be reinforced.
How to Stay Safe
- Do not respond to unsolicited job offers. Scams recruit with promises of high salaries for simple work.
- Verify companies. Before accepting a position, research the company on official sites and check expat reviews.
- Never share your identity documents. Passports and visas are often confiscated by scam networks.
- Report any suspicious activity. Contact local police or your country's embassy if you notice abnormal practices.
- Avoid risk areas. If traveling to Poipet, stay in tourist areas and avoid isolated compounds.
- Keep your documents safe. Make digital copies of your passport and visa.
- Follow official alerts. Regularly check announcements from the Ministry of Interior and GDI.
Frequently asked questions
What was announced by the governor of Banteay Meanchey?
Governor Oum Reatrey announced the dismantling of over 200 online scam operations in seven months, with tens of thousands of foreigners arrested. Poipet and Ou Chrov are not yet fully cleaned.
Which districts were targeted by the operations?
Operations targeted Poipet, Malai, Svay Chek, and Ou Chrov. Malai and Svay Chek are considered cleaned, unlike Poipet and Ou Chrov.
How many foreigners were deported from Cambodia in 2026?
Over 45,000 foreigners were deported in the first half of 2026, including 16,000 arrested at scam sites.
What are the risks for expats in Siem Reap?
Expats should be wary of suspicious job offers, unverified contacts, and online fraudulent activities. Vigilance is key, especially with scam networks still active in Poipet.
What to do if you suspect scam activity?
Report immediately to local police or your country's embassy. Do not share personal documents and avoid contact with dubious recruiters.
Free expat guide
Visa, housing, health — in your inbox.
🧭
Published by
Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia