security
Updated 2026-09-02 5 min
In short
- ●Over $300 million in assets frozen by Cambodian authorities in 14 months.
- ●Nationwide operation targeting online fraud networks.
- ●Expats should expect enhanced bank checks and delays on transfers.
- ●Local banks intensify monitoring of suspicious transactions.
$300M
Amount frozen
14 months
Period
Cambodia
Location(s)
Phnom Penh Post
Source
Key facts at a glance
- $300 million. That's the amount of assets frozen by Cambodian authorities during anti-scam operations.
- 14 months. The period covered by this crackdown, spanning from mid-2025 to September 2026.
- Cambodia. Operations take place nationwide, including border areas and major cities.
- Tech scams. The seized assets are linked to online fraud, including scam calls and fake investments.
- Increased vigilance. Local banks are tightening controls, which may cause delays in international transactions.
How it unfolded
Since mid-2025, Cambodian authorities have been conducting a major campaign against online scam networks. Here are the key milestones.
- Mid-2025: Launch of the national crackdown on tech fraud, coordinated by the Ministry of Interior.
- Late 2025: First waves of raids and asset freezes in major cities, including Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
- Early 2026: Increased collaboration with local banks to identify suspicious transactions and freeze accounts linked to criminal networks.
- Mid-2026: Total frozen assets exceed $300 million, according to official reports.
- September 2026: Figures published by local press, confirming the scale of the operation.
- Next steps: Continued investigations, extradition of foreign suspects, and strengthening of banking controls.
Breakdown
The frozen assets come from various sectors and provinces. Here's an indicative breakdown based on available reports.
| Segment | Figure | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Border provinces | ~40% | Concentration of fraud networks near the Thai and Vietnamese borders. |
| Phnom Penh | ~30% | Headquarters of major banks and fraudulent call centers. |
| Siem Reap | ~10% | Cases linked to fake tourism investments. |
| Other provinces | ~20% | Spread across the rest of the country. |
| Asset types | Bank accounts, crypto, real estate | Freezing of local and international accounts, seizure of cryptocurrencies and properties. |
What it means for Siem Reap
- Enhanced checks on international transfers: expect additional delays for your money transfers.
- Increased verification of income documentation when opening bank accounts.
- Monitoring of unusual transactions: banks may temporarily block suspicious operations.
- Reduced risk of falling victim to scams, but need to remain vigilant against fraudulent solicitations.
- Possibility of having to provide additional documents for large amounts.
How to stay out of trouble
- Step 1: Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, especially investments with guaranteed returns.
- Step 2: Never share your banking information over the phone or via unsolicited email.
- Step 3: Use official channels for your transactions and always verify the recipient's details.
- Step 4: Report any suspicious activity to your bank and local authorities.
- Step 5: Keep your identity and residence documents up to date to avoid blocks.
- Step 6: If in doubt about a transfer, contact your bank advisor directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total amount of assets frozen by Cambodian authorities?
Over $300 million have been frozen in the past 14 months as part of the fight against tech fraud.
What types of fraud are targeted by this operation?
Authorities are primarily targeting online scams, such as fraudulent calls, fake investments, and romance scams.
How does this affect expatriates in Siem Reap?
Expats may experience delays in international transfers and will need to provide more documentation for certain transactions. It's essential to stay vigilant.
What should I do if I fall victim to a scam in Cambodia?
Contact your bank immediately to block transactions and report the incident to local police or your country's embassy.
Are Cambodian banks reliable for expatriates?
Yes, but they now apply stricter controls. Choose reputable banks and keep all your documents up to date.
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Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia