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Cambodia: $300M Frozen and Casino Licenses Revoked

On November 8, 2026, the government took stock of its anti-scam campaign: 5,032 people charged and more than 23,700 foreigners repatriated. Here's what it means for expats in Siem Reap.

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Updated 2026-11-09 5 min

✨ Summarize this article with AI

In short

  • ●According to Khmer Times, the government has frozen $300 million and revoked casino licenses as part of its nationwide anti-scam campaign (announced November 8, 2026).
  • ●The results cover the whole country, from July 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026: 5,032 suspects charged and more than 23,700 foreigners repatriated.
  • ●For expats, the environment is becoming more tightly regulated: expect more vigilance around online activities, gambling and business structures.
  • ●The announcement as reported did not spell out the next steps. Keep an eye on official statements.
$300 million USD
Assets frozen
Jul 1, 2025 – Oct 31, 2026
Reporting period
Cambodia (nationwide)
Location(s)
Khmer Times, Nov 8, 2026
Source

The Facts at a Glance

  • $300 million frozen. The government announced the freeze of this amount as part of its national campaign against scams.
  • Casino licenses revoked. Gambling permits have been withdrawn. The exact number is not given in the announcement as reported.
  • 5,032 suspects charged. This figure covers the period from July 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026, or 16 months.
  • More than 23,700 foreigners repatriated. These are foreign nationals sent back to their home countries over the same period.
  • Announced on November 8, 2026. The results are national. No province is broken out in the available source.

How It Unfolded

The announcement is a cumulative summary. Here are the known milestones, followed by what to watch for next.

  1. July 1, 2025: start of the period covered by the official results of the anti-scam campaign.
  2. July 2025 – October 2026: charges, asset freezes, license revocations and repatriations continue nationwide.
  3. October 31, 2026: cut-off date for the published figures: 5,032 suspects charged and more than 23,700 foreigners repatriated.
  4. November 8, 2026: public announcement of the $300 million freeze and the revocation of casino licenses, reported by Khmer Times.
  5. November 9, 2026: expats and aspiring business owners assess the impact on gambling, online activities and company formation.
  6. What comes next: the source gives no precise timetable. Upcoming statements from the authorities should clarify any new measures.

Breakdown

The source does not break the figures down by province or nationality. Here are the announced numbers, grouped by type of action.

SegmentFigureDetails
Financial$300 million USDAssets frozen as part of the national campaign.
LicensesNot specifiedCasino licenses were revoked. The number is not given.
Judicial5,032Suspects charged between July 1, 2025 and October 31, 2026.
ImmigrationMore than 23,700Foreign nationals repatriated over the same period.
Reporting period16 monthsFrom July 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026.

What This Means in Practice for Siem Reap

  • A stricter framework for gambling: casino and online gambling activities are under closer scrutiny. Any project in this sector requires thorough due diligence.
  • Heightened vigilance on online activities: digital operations may face closer checks, especially opaque structures.
  • Closer review of business filings: if you're opening a business, prepare complete paperwork: articles of incorporation, licenses and proof of the source of funds.
  • More attentive banks: with $300 million frozen, expect more frequent questions about the origin of large transfers.
  • A country's image on the mend: the campaign aims to clean up the business environment. Law-abiding residents benefit from greater clarity and trust.

How to Stay Out of Trouble

  1. Step 1: make sure your visa and residency status are up to date, and keep digital copies of your documents.
  2. Step 2: before accepting any job offer, check the employer, its address, its official registration and the type of business it actually does.
  3. Step 3: avoid positions or assignments tied to online gambling or customer support of unclear origin, even if they pay well.
  4. Step 4: keep proof of your income and the source of your funds for dealings with your bank.
  5. Step 5: if you're starting a business, work with a licensed adviser and verify every license with the relevant authority.
  6. Step 6: never agree to lend your bank account, your identity or your company to a third party.
  7. Step 7: follow official statements and reliable local media to keep up with upcoming measures.

Frequently asked questions

What did the Cambodian government announce on November 8, 2026?
It announced the freezing of $300 million and the revocation of casino licenses as part of its nationwide anti-scam campaign. The results show 5,032 suspects charged and more than 23,700 foreigners repatriated.
What period do these figures cover?
The charges and repatriations cover the period from July 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026, or 16 months.
How many casino licenses were revoked?
The announcement as reported gives no precise number. You'll need to wait for official statements to get that information.
Are law-abiding expats in Siem Reap affected?
The campaign targets scam networks and illicit activities. A resident who follows the rules is not a target, but may face more rigorous checks, for example on their documents or banking transactions.
Is it still possible to start a business in Cambodia?
Yes, for legal activities. The environment is more tightly regulated, especially around gambling and online services. You'll need to prepare a complete file and verify every license with the authorities.

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