Cambodia: 605 Scam Sites Shut Down, 4,147 Suspects Taken to Court

• 605 sites closed. Cambodian authorities dismantled over 600 sites linked to tech scams in the past year.
• 4,147 suspects brought to court. More than 4,100 people were sent to court for their alleged involvement in these networks.
• Casinos targeted. Actions were taken against casinos involved in fraudulent activities.
• Period: August 2025 – August 2026. The figures cover the last 12 months, up to the date of the announcement.
• Official source. The information comes from the Phnom Penh Post, citing Cambodian authorities.

This crackdown is part of the Cambodian government's ongoing strategy to combat cybercrime and online scams.

1. August 2025: Launch of a strengthened national campaign against scam sites, with coordination between police, local authorities, and telecommunications operators.
2. October 2025: First waves of raids in border provinces, targeting buildings housing illegal call centers.
3. January 2026: Operations extended to urban areas, including Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with inspections of casinos and hotel complexes.
4. May 2026: Announcement of the closure of over 300 sites at the halfway point, along with the arrest of 2,000 suspects.
5. August 2026: Final tally: 605 sites closed, 4,147 suspects brought to court, and prosecutions initiated against casinos.
6. Next steps: Authorities plan to strengthen online surveillance and cooperate with neighboring countries to dismantle cross-border networks.

Data broken down by type of establishment and nationality of suspects is not yet public, but authorities have indicated that actions targeted both urban sites and border areas.

• Reduced risk of online scams: expats are less likely to encounter fraudulent job offers or phishing sites.
• Increased trust in digital transactions, especially for online payments and banking services.
• Digital nomads can work more peacefully, knowing authorities are actively fighting cybercrime.
• Casinos and entertainment venues are under increased scrutiny, which may deter illegal activities.
• Enhanced international cooperation could facilitate resolution of cross-border disputes for expats who are scam victims.

1. Verify job offers: Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers on social media; check the company's existence with local chambers of commerce.
2. Use official channels: For administrative procedures, use government websites and embassies.
3. Protect your personal data: Never share your banking information or ID online without verification.
4. Report suspicious activities: Contact local police or dedicated hotlines if you spot fraudulent behavior.
5. Follow security advisories: Regularly check updates from the Ministry of Interior and reliable sources like the Phnom Penh Post.
6. Educate your network: Share this information with other expats to strengthen collective vigilance.