Scams: Cambodia Investigates 5 Private Security Firms

• Announcement of November 1, 2026. Chhay Sinarith, Minister in charge of Special Missions and head of the secretariat of the Ad Hoc Commission to Combat Technology Scams (CCTC), announced the expansion of the investigations.
• 5 private security companies named. According to Amnesty International, Leap Somnang Security, Security Response, ZD Security, Dara Security Service (DAS) and Best (Cambodia) Security Service allegedly protected criminal groups. These mentions are allegations, and they are the basis for the investigations.
• More than 20 serving military personnel. The report claims they worked as guards or security managers in scam compounds.
• 529 cases, 5,778 people. These scam-related cases are currently before the Cambodian courts. The suspects include nationals of China, Japan, India and Vietnam, among others.
• 86 large compounds closed. Amnesty International acknowledged these closures. The authorities say, however, that they discover small operations almost every day.

Here are the known milestones, based on statements reported by the Phnom Penh Post. Some dates are not specified in the source.

1. Before the report: the authorities focused their efforts on the main masterminds of the networks. Lower-ranking accomplices and the compounds' security personnel remained less visible.
2. Date not specified: 86 large scam compounds were closed. Amnesty International acknowledges these closures.
3. October 2026: Al Jazeera published a video showing a scam center in the Long Bay development, Koh Kong province.
4. A few days before November 1: Amnesty International published its report. It names five security companies and more than 20 serving military personnel.
5. November 1, 2026: Chhay Sinarith announced the expansion of the investigations to private companies, military personnel and other people linked to Long Bay or to major scam operations. He also said that Cambodia accepts Amnesty's findings.
6. November 2, 2026: the Phnom Penh Post published the minister's statements.
7. Coming up: investigations into the security companies, the prosecution of Deng Pibing (alias Dung Ping), an inquiry into the officials named in the report, and a review of the role played by casino and resort owners.

The figures below are those reported in the source article. They are grouped by type of actor or location.

• No mention of Siem Reap. The areas named are Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Phnom Penh and Poipet. The issue mainly concerns expats' general vigilance across Cambodia.
• Landlord responsibility. The minister warned that property owners would not be exempt from prosecution. A responsible landlord therefore has every reason to know their tenants. Expect more detailed questions when renting a place.
• Closer scrutiny of private security. The five named companies are under investigation. Guards and security firms serving residences, businesses or hotels could face more scrutiny.
• Job offers to verify. Scam centers employ foreigners. A well-paid job offer abroad that is vague about the company deserves a thorough check.
• A positive sign of law enforcement. The authorities say they are pursuing small operations, not stopping at the big masterminds. They believe these operations will no longer reach the scale of previous years.

1. Step 1: verify that any employer legally exists before accepting a job. Ask for the company's registration, its office address and a written contract.
2. Step 2: be wary of very well-paid offers that require no specific skills and involve traveling to another province or country.
3. Step 3: never hand your passport over to an employer or an intermediary. Keep a digital copy.
4. Step 4: if you rent a property, verify your landlord's identity and sign a written lease. If you are a landlord, document your tenants' identity and activity.
5. Step 5: find out what a site really does before visiting or working there. A closed-off, isolated compound watched by armed guards is a red flag.
6. Step 6: tell a friend or relative where you work and where you are going. Keep your embassy's contact details at hand.
7. Step 7: if you have doubts or find yourself in a worrying situation, contact your embassy or the local authorities. Keep messages and contracts as evidence.