securite
Updated 2026-05-25 5 min
In short
- ●Hun Sen warned northeastern governors on May 25, 2026.
- ●Online scam groups have moved to Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri.
- ●Expats are urged to be extra vigilant in these provinces.
- ●Crackdowns elsewhere pushed the groups to relocate.
May 25, 2026
Alert date
Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri
Targeted provinces
Khmer Times Breaking News
Source
High
Alert level
Key facts at a glance
- 5 provinces affected. Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri are the new bases for online scam groups.
- May 25, 2026. Date of Hun Sen's warning to northeastern governors.
- Previous crackdown. Groups moved after dismantling operations in other regions.
- Direct impact. Expats and travelers in these areas must be especially vigilant.
- Expected action. Local authorities must step up surveillance and checks.
How it unfolded
The alert was issued on May 25, 2026 by Hun Sen, following reports of online scam networks relocating to northeastern Cambodia.
- Early 2026: Crackdown operations against online scams in several provinces (Sihanoukville, Phnom Penh).
- April 2026: Scam groups begin moving to less monitored areas.
- Mid-May 2026: Reports of new suspicious activity in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri.
- May 25, 2026: Hun Sen convenes northeastern governors and warns them of the threat.
- From May 26: Increased patrols and checks in border areas and tourist zones.
Breakdown
Online scam groups have mainly settled in two northeastern provinces, but other areas may also be affected.
| Province | Estimated number of groups | Type of scams reported |
|---|---|---|
| Mondulkiri | 3 to 5 | Phone scams, identity theft |
| Ratanakiri | 2 to 4 | Fake job offers, phishing |
| Stung Treng | 1 to 2 | Romance scams |
| Kratie | 1 | Banking scams |
| Other provinces | Low | Isolated reports |
What it means for Siem Reap
- Expats traveling to Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri should be more cautious in their online and phone interactions.
- Vacation rental platforms in these provinces could be used as cover by scammers.
- Expats working in tourism or hospitality in the northeast should report any suspicious behavior.
- Local authorities in Siem Reap may tighten checks on roads heading east.
- Expats are advised not to share personal or banking information via unsolicited phone calls or emails.
How to stay safe
- Step 1: Do not respond to unsolicited calls or messages asking for money or personal information.
- Step 2: Always verify the identity of the person you're dealing with through an official channel before transferring funds.
- Step 3: Report any suspicious activity to local police or your country's embassy.
- Step 4: Avoid posting your travel plans in real time on social media.
- Step 5: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts.
- Step 6: Stay informed about security alerts via official channels and expat groups.
- Step 7: When in doubt, contact your country's embassy or consulate in Cambodia.
Frequently asked questions
Which provinces are affected by Hun Sen's alert?
The main targets are Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri, but Stung Treng and Kratie may also be affected.
What types of scams are reported in the northeast?
Phone scams, identity theft, fake job offers, phishing, and romance scams have been reported.
What should I do if I fall victim to an online scam in Cambodia?
Contact local police and your embassy immediately. Also report the incident to the relevant platform (bank, social network).
Are expats in Siem Reap directly threatened?
The alert mainly concerns the northeast, but expats traveling to those areas should be vigilant. In Siem Reap, the risk is lower but caution is still advised.
How are Cambodian authorities responding?
The governors of the northeastern provinces have been tasked with strengthening surveillance and checks, especially at borders and in tourist areas.
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The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia