Cambodia reports 13,039 deportations in sweeping anti-scam crackdown

Cambodia has highlighted thousands of arrests and deportations as part of a sweeping nationwide campaign to dismantle online scam networks, as reported by Khmer Times.

In a statement, the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit said combating online fraud remains a top national priority, reflecting what it described as strong political will under Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Hun Manet has instructed authorities to act decisively against cybercrime syndicates “without delay, without tolerance, and without exception.”

From July last year to mid-April 2026, authorities in Phnom Penh and across the provinces conducted operations at more than 250 suspected scam locations. The crackdown led to the closure of 91 casino sites allegedly used as fronts for illicit activities. During the same period, 112 cases involving 1,089 suspects were filed with the courts. Those charged include Cambodian nationals as well as foreign nationals from China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

The government said that from early last year through April 19, a total of 13,039 foreign nationals linked to online scams were deported, including 1,509 women, representing 33 nationalities. Since the start of this year alone, 241,888 individuals have voluntarily departed Cambodia.

To strengthen enforcement, Cambodia has introduced new legal measures, including the Law on Combatting Online Scams and an “XXL” campaign aimed at eliminating online fraud. The legislation will create five new criminal offenses with heavier penalties and establish special legal procedures to address scam-related crimes more effectively.

Officials emphasized that Cambodia is cooperating with foreign governments and international organizations in investigations, extraditions and victim rescues. At a recent Council of Ministers meeting, Hun Manet praised enforcement agencies and ordered the crackdown to continue without pause, rejecting suggestions that efforts would slow following the Khmer New Year holiday.