(Phnom Penh): Cambodia has intensified its nationwide crackdown on online scams, reinforcing its determination to eliminate technology-based fraud and dismantle transnational criminal networks operating within the kingdom.
The firm stance was reiterated by Chhay Sinarith, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions and Head of the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS), during a briefing held on 18 February 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The senior minister briefed members of the diplomatic corps in Phnom Penh on the Royal Government of Cambodia's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime.
He underlined that while efforts to combat online scams were already underway, enforcement has been significantly strengthened under the seventh-mandate Royal Government. A key step was the establishment of the CCOS, a national mechanism directly led by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
From June 2025 to early 2026, authorities cracked down on 200 online scam cases across approximately 2,500 locations. During these operations, officials seized 10,444 computers and 36,476 smartphones, along with other evidence.
More than 8,000 foreign nationals were deported, and over 200 locations, including casinos linked to scam activities, were shut down and barred from reopening. The nationwide campaign dismantled numerous scam hubs, prompting several ringleaders to flee. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. Authorities also reported that more than 210,000 foreign nationals voluntarily departed Cambodia to return to their home countries during the enforcement period.
In cooperation with international partners, Cambodian authorities have rescued numerous foreign victims trafficked and forced into online scam operations by transnational criminal networks.
According to the Ministry of Justice, courts have taken legal action against more than 500 ringleaders and accomplices over the past eight months. High-profile cases include those involving Chen Zhi, Ly Kuong, and other foreign masterminds.
The senior minister expressed appreciation to foreign missions and partners, including the United States, China, South Korea, the Philippines, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation framework, for their continued support.
He called for sustained international cooperation in capacity-building, technical support, forensic expertise, and joint investigations to strengthen law enforcement and address the root causes of technology-based crime.
The Royal Government is also drafting a Law on Combating Technology-Based Scams to ensure long-term effectiveness. The proposed legislation will impose strict penalties and enforcement measures and is currently under inter-ministerial review before moving through the legislative process.
=FRESH NEWS
