security
Updated 2026-09-02 5 min
In short
- ●Over $300 million frozen by Cambodian authorities.
- ●446 online scam cases sent to court.
- ●3,927 defendants from 29 nationalities.
- ●A year-long crackdown to protect victims, including expatriates.
$300M
Amount frozen
446
Cases tried
3,927
Defendants
29
Nationalities
Key facts at a glance
- $300M frozen. Cambodian authorities have blocked over $300 million linked to online scams.
- 446 cases in court. A total of 446 online fraud cases have been referred to the judiciary.
- 3,927 defendants. Those prosecuted represent 29 different nationalities.
- One-year crackdown. This action is part of a national campaign conducted over the past year.
- Victim protection. The goal is to protect victims, especially expatriates residing in Cambodia.
How it unfolded
Here are the key steps of this large-scale operation.
- September 2025: Launch of a national campaign against online scams.
- October 2025 – August 2026: Investigations and arrests across the country, with cooperation from local and international authorities.
- Mid-2026: Progressive freezing of bank accounts and assets linked to fraudulent activities.
- September 2026: Referral of 446 cases to court, involving 3,927 defendants.
- From September 2026: Start of trials and continued investigations to dismantle remaining networks.
Breakdown
The provided data does not detail the breakdown by province or type of scam, but here is an estimate based on available information.
| Segment | Figure | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Cases sent to court | 446 | Cases referred to the judiciary |
| Defendants | 3,927 | Individuals prosecuted |
| Nationalities involved | 29 | Defendants of various origins |
| Amount frozen | $300M | Funds blocked in accounts |
| Duration of operation | 1 year | Campaign conducted since September 2025 |
What it means for Siem Reap
- Reduced risk of online scams targeting expatriates, such as fake job offers or money transfer requests.
- Potential to recover funds if you've been a victim: frozen assets could be returned after legal proceedings.
- Increased confidence in online transactions and local banking services.
- Local authorities are more vigilant and responsive to scam reports.
- Stay cautious: scammers adapt, and new forms of fraud may emerge.
How to stay out of trouble
- Step 1: Never share your banking details or OTP codes over the phone or email.
- Step 2: Verify the authenticity of job offers and investments through official sources.
- Step 3: Use reputable payment platforms and avoid transfers to unknown accounts.
- Step 4: Report any scam attempt to local police or your country's embassy.
- Step 5: Enable two-factor authentication on all your online accounts.
- Step 6: Stay informed about the latest scams via alerts from Cambodian authorities.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I've been a victim of an online scam in Cambodia?
Contact the Cambodian police immediately (117) and your embassy. Keep all evidence (messages, receipts, etc.) and file an official complaint.
Will the frozen funds be returned to victims?
It's possible, but it will depend on the outcome of legal proceedings. Victims should come forward to authorities to assert their rights.
Does this crackdown only affect major cities?
Operations are nationwide, including in Siem Reap. Local authorities are involved in the fight against scams.
How can I tell if a job offer is legitimate?
Check the company through official registries, be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, and never pay to get a job.
Are there increased risks for expatriates in Siem Reap?
Expatriates may be targeted due to their situation, but vigilance and prompt reporting reduce risks. Authorities are now more active.
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