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One Year of Anti-Scam Campaign: 2,773 Suspects Prosecuted

The Cambodian government releases its first review of the national campaign against online fraud, with direct consequences for expats.

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Updated 2026-07-25 5 min

Summarize this article with AI

In short

  • 2,773 suspects prosecuted in 268 online fraud cases between July 2025 and June 2026.
  • 665 scam-related sites identified, including 582 active compounds.
  • 21,102 foreigners from 38 countries deported for immigration violations or scam links.
  • 19 casino licenses revoked and 30 suspended as part of the investigation.
  • Prime Minister Hun Manet orders the campaign to continue without interruption.
2,773
Suspects prosecuted
July 2025 - June 2026
Period
665
Sites identified
Phnom Penh Post
Source

Key Facts at a Glance

  • 2,773 suspects prosecuted. Over one year, 268 online fraud cases were processed, with 2,200 suspects still in pretrial detention.
  • 665 sites identified. 582 active compounds and 83 hideouts or stash houses were located. 537 premises were sealed.
  • 21,102 foreigners deported. Nationals from 38 countries, mainly China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh.
  • 19 casino licenses revoked, 30 suspended. Out of 195 casinos inspected, 23 had already ceased operations.
  • New law in effect since April 2026. Penalties can include life imprisonment and fines up to 1 billion riels ($250,000).

How It Unfolded

The national campaign against technology-enabled fraud was launched in July 2025. Here are the key milestones.

  1. July 2025: Launch of the national campaign by Prime Minister Hun Manet, with the creation of the Commission for Combating Technology-enabled Scams (CCTC).
  2. 2025-2026: Raids on 665 sites, mass arrests, and deportation of 21,102 foreigners.
  3. April 2026: Entry into force of the Law on Combating Technology-enabled Fraud, providing for severe penalties.
  4. July 24, 2026: Presentation of the one-year report to the Council of Ministers. Detailed results and instructions to continue the campaign.
  5. Next steps: Continued operations without interruption, strengthening international cooperation (INTERPOL, UNODC, etc.).

Breakdown

The data breaks down results by site type, nationality, and sector.

SegmentNumberDetail
Suspects detained2,200In pretrial detention out of 2,773 suspects
Cambodian suspects313Among detainees
Foreign suspects2,460Among detainees (estimated)
Female suspects353Out of all suspects
Active compounds582Fraud sites identified
Casino licenses revoked19Out of 195 casinos inspected

What This Means for Siem Reap

  • Reduced risk of online scams: dismantled compounds limit fraudulent calls and trapped job offers.
  • Stricter casino oversight: expats working in the sector can expect tighter checks.
  • Mass deportations: foreigners with irregular status or scam links are systematically sent back.
  • New deterrent law: heavy penalties (life imprisonment) discourage criminal networks, improving overall safety.
  • Increased transparency: media visits to sites after raids show a willingness to reassure the international community.

How to Stay Out of Trouble

  1. Check your immigration status. Ensure your visa is valid to avoid deportation.
  2. Do not engage in any suspicious activity. Avoid overly lucrative job offers in online gaming or trading.
  3. Report scams. Contact the CCTC or local police if you witness fraud.
  4. Protect your personal data. Never share your banking information or ID with strangers.
  5. Stay informed. Follow official announcements and campaign updates.
  6. Use official channels. For any administrative procedures, use accredited counters.
  7. When in doubt, consult a lawyer. A professional can advise you on legal risks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CCTC?
The Commission for Combating Technology-enabled Scams is the body created by the Cambodian government to coordinate the fight against online fraud.
What are the main countries of origin of deportees?
Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, and Bangladeshi nationals make up the majority of the 21,102 deported foreigners.
Does the new technology fraud law apply to expats?
Yes, it applies to anyone on Cambodian soil, including foreigners, with penalties up to life imprisonment.
What should I do if I am a victim of an online scam?
File a complaint with the local police or contact the CCTC. Keep all evidence (messages, transactions).
Are Siem Reap casinos affected?
All casinos in the country have been inspected. Some had their licenses revoked or suspended. Legitimate establishments are not targeted.

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Siem Reap Hub

The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia