Cambodia arrests over 200 suspects in online scam raids

Cambodian authorities have arrested more than 200 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in online scam operations during coordinated raids in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, as reported by Khmer Times. The operations form part of a broader nationwide crackdown ahead of the Khmer New Year.

Police conducted a major raid in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district, targeting a site in Galaxy Garden, Khmounh commune, believed to be used for technology-based fraud. A total of 218 individuals were detained, including 93 Chinese, 91 Bangladeshis, 17 Vietnamese, 11 Indians, five Japanese and one Laotian. Ten of those arrested were women. Authorities seized a large quantity of equipment, including 133 all-in-one computers, 44 laptops and 392 mobile phones, along with fake Japanese police uniforms, hats and identification cards.

Investigators said the group allegedly impersonated Japanese police officers to target victims in Japan through romance scams, investment fraud and other online schemes. A separate raid at the nearby JD Polman condominium resulted in the arrest of eight additional suspects, including five Japanese and three Chinese nationals, and the seizure of more electronic devices and counterfeit police materials.

On the same day, the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia revoked the license of Gang Dao International Entertainment Co Ltd in Sihanoukville after authorities linked the casino to an online scam syndicate. A prior raid at the property led to the arrest of 108 suspects, most of them Chinese nationals, and the confiscation of nearly 500 computers and over 1,000 mobile phones.

Officials said the newly enacted Law on Combatting Online Scams will strengthen legal tools and coordination among authorities. Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation and staying ahead of evolving tactics such as AI-assisted scams, messaging platform fraud and fake investment schemes.