Over 100 Foreigners Arrested in Poipet Anti-Scam Raids

On May 3, 2026, Cambodian police arrested over 100 foreign nationals in Poipet, a border town with Thailand. These individuals were attempting to flee raids targeting cybercrime centers. The operation is part of an intensified crackdown on online scams orchestrated from Cambodia, often by criminal networks employing foreigners.

According to authorities, the arrests occurred as suspects tried to cross the border. Exact nationalities have not yet been disclosed, but similar cases often involve Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian nationals.

Although the raids took place in Poipet, about 150 km from Siem Reap, this operation has direct implications for expats. Cambodian police are intensifying checks on suspicious activities, especially in tourist and border areas.

If you work in the digital sector or online marketing, verify that your employer is legitimate. Job offers that seem too good to be true (high salaries, low qualifications) often hide illegal activities. Be wary of job offers in Poipet, Bavet, or Sihanoukville.

If you are an expat in Siem Reap and have doubts about your job or surroundings:

• Contact your country's embassy to report a suspicious situation.
• Do not attempt to flee or hide evidence if you are involuntarily involved.
• Consult a lawyer specialized in Cambodian law (our directory Services can help).
• Report any illegal activity to the police via the emergency number 117.

Cyber scams in Cambodia are often linked to cross-border criminal networks. Common traps include:

• Fake job offers in trading, customer support, or IT.
• Promises of housing and visa sponsorship, followed by passport confiscation.
• Threats or violence if you try to leave the company.

Never share your identity documents with an employer before verifying their legality with the Ministry of Labor.

Cambodian authorities have announced an intensification of raids in the coming months, in coordination with Thailand and China. Expect more border checks and scrutiny in areas with high concentrations of foreigners.

If you are an expat in Siem Reap, stay informed via official embassy channels and support groups. Avoid non-essential travel to Poipet or border areas until the situation is clarified.