(Phnom Penh): On the night of October 17, 2025, the General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior deported a total of 64 South Korean nationals, including five women, who were found to be involved in cyber scam activities, for further legal action by the Government of the Republic of Korea.
The Secretariat of the Cambodian Commission for Combatting Online Scams (CCCOS) confirmed that the deportation of foreign nationals found to be linked to online scam operations is part of Cambodia’s legal procedures, implemented under the mechanisms established by the Royal Government. Relevant ministries, institutions, and law enforcement agencies have consistently enforced these measures strictly to prevent and combat cyber fraud.
Previously, Cambodia had deported 180 South Korean nationals involved in similar cases. The Royal Government of Cambodia has regularly requested cooperation from the South Korean authorities to take back their citizens linked to such crimes and proceed with legal action in accordance with Korean law.
Furthermore, through the CCCOS Secretariat, the Royal Government of Cambodia has also requested continued cooperation with South Korea’s competent authorities to deepen investigations aimed at identifying the organized networks and masterminds behind these scams, based on evidence collected during operations conducted across multiple provinces and the capital.
It should be noted that from 27 June to 14 October 2025, the Provincial and Capital Unified Command, under the guidance of the CCCOS Secretariat, carried out inspections and suppression operations targeting 92 locations across 18 provinces and capitals.
As a result, authorities detained approximately 3,455 suspects of 20 different nationalities, including Chinese (mainland and Taiwan), Vietnamese, Indonesians, Indians, Bangladeshis, Thais, South Koreans, Pakistanis, Nepalese, Malaysians, Japanese, Myanmar nationals, Filipinos, Laotians, Cameroonians, Nigerians, Ugandans, Sierra Leoneans, Mongolians, and Russians.
Evidence seized during the operations was properly secured by the competent authorities in each province, while the identified sites were sealed off from public access.
In addition, law enforcement proceeded with 10 criminal cases in Phnom Penh, Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, and Kampot provinces, referring 75 key suspects (including 5 women) to court for legal proceedings. These cases involved online fraud, murder, and human trafficking, marking one of the largest operations against online crime in the past four months of 2025.
Meanwhile, 2,825 foreign nationals, including 476 women, were deported from Cambodia. Authorities also rescued victims of human trafficking and dismantled several criminal networks involved in online scams and trafficking operations.
Furthermore, the CCCOS Secretariat, in cooperation with partner countries and relevant institutions, continues to investigate all confiscated evidence — including mobile phones, computers, passports, and thousands of electronic devices — to trace ringleaders and uncover the transnational network structure behind the crimes. The findings will support cooperation with ministries, institutions, and authorities across Cambodia to implement further legal measures.
These results demonstrate the strong commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the strict enforcement by ministries and local administrations to eliminate technology-related scams from the country. Cambodia itself has also been a victim of such crimes, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
It should also be recalled that on 14 July 2025, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet launched the national campaign against online scams.
The prime minister emphasised, “Governors of the capital and provinces, who also serve as chairs of the Unified Command Committees, as well as police commissioners, military commanders, and relevant institutions, must strictly and responsibly implement these directives.
Failure to comply or cooperate in any form will be subject to evaluation regarding appointment, transfer, or removal from position.”
Under this campaign, the forces will continue to take the strongest legal measures against all ringleaders and individuals involved in technology-related fraud.
=FRESH NEWS
