Cambodia: 5,535 Arrests in 2026 Anti-Scam Crackdown

• 5,535 arrests. Since January 2026, Cambodian authorities have arrested 5,535 people involved in online scam centers.
• Raids in 3 key provinces. Operations targeted Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, where the largest centers were concentrated.
• Officials arrested. Several public officials were detained for corruption and complicity with criminal networks.
• Criminal dispersion. Groups are fragmenting into small mobile units to evade raids.
• Goal: total elimination. Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that Cambodia will soon show the world that scam centers have been eliminated.

The crackdown has intensified since the beginning of 2026, with coordinated operations across the country.

1. January 2026: Launch of a national anti-scam task force under the Ministry of Interior.
2. February 2026: First major raid in Phnom Penh: 1,200 arrests and closure of 15 centers.
3. March 2026: Simultaneous operations in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville: 2,100 additional arrests.
4. April 2026: Arrest of 8 local officials for corruption and providing protection to centers.
5. May 2026: Prime Minister Hun Sen announces that scam centers are on track for total elimination, with 5,535 cumulative arrests.
6. Next steps: Strengthening patrols and digital surveillance to prevent the re-emergence of networks.

Arrests and raids are unevenly distributed across provinces and types of actors involved.

• Less risk of being approached by scam center recruiters in bars and public spaces.
• Identity and visa checks are tightening: be ready to present your passport and valid visa.
• Landlords are more rigorously screening foreign tenants to avoid renting to criminals.
• Criminal networks are dispersing into small mobile groups: stay vigilant in isolated or less frequented areas.
• Cooperation with local police is improving: report any suspicious behavior via emergency number 117.

1. Step 1: Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, and keep the originals in a safe place.
2. Step 2: Never share your personal or banking information with strangers, even if they claim to be official agents.
3. Step 3: Avoid overly attractive job offers in online gaming or trading, often linked to scam centers.
4. Step 4: Report any suspicious activity to local police or your country's embassy.
5. Step 5: Stay informed via official channels of the Ministry of Interior and reliable expat groups.
6. Step 6: In case of trouble, immediately contact emergency number 117 (police) or 023 724 333 (anti-trafficking hotline).