(Kandal): Seventy-five journalists representing 42 local and international media outlets visited a former suspected online scam compound in Prek Sueng Village, Sampov Poun commune, Kandal province on Tuesday (Sep. 22), gaining a firsthand look at a site previously targeted in Cambodia’s ongoing crackdown on online scam operations.

The 51-hectare compound, formerly operated by property management company Jin Zi Hui, is suspected by Cambodian authorities of having been used for online scam operations.

According to authorities, the sprawling compound consists of 55 buildings, 113 villas and more than 4,700 rooms.

Authorities said the owner and company employees had already abandoned the premises before law enforcement officers arrived to inspect and search the site.

Cambodian authorities conducted an inspection of the compound on 20 January 2026, seizing thousands of computers and mobile phones, as well as CPUs, servers, passports, foreign police uniforms and other equipment allegedly used in the operations. The entire compound was sealed off later that day.

Following the investigation, authorities found that the property was linked to the Prince Group as one of its subsidiaries.

According to information obtained by Fresh News, the court has issued arrest warrants for two alleged ringleaders, identified as Qiu Ren Wu and John Riskin. Law enforcement authorities have also submitted requests for both suspects to be placed on Interpol Red Notices.

The case comes amid a broader nationwide crackdown on online scam operations in Cambodia.

Seng Heang, a Phnom Penh deputy prosecutor handling the online scam case, said Cambodia has been taking firm action against online scam operations, stressing that the country is a victim of such crimes rather than a hub for online scams.

He added that Cambodia was the first country in the region to adopt legislation specifically targeting online scams, describing the move as a demonstration of the Royal Government’s commitment to combating the crime.

According to Cambodian authorities, more than 830 suspected scam locations were investigated between July 2025 and August 2026. Of those, 663 locations were raided, while 86 large-scale scam compounds were dismantled.

Authorities also reported that more than 20,000 foreign suspects were deported during the same period.
=FRESH NEWS