Cambodia Continues Crackdown on Scam Centers as Authorities Take Action

Cambodia is actively working to fight illegal scam centers that have been involved in transnational fraud activities. The government launched a major crackdown at the end of 2025, which continues into 2026. This effort aims to dismantle these illegal operations and ensure safety and security in the country. Since the start of the operation, authorities have closed approximately 190 scam centers across various provinces. One of the key areas affected is Kampot, which is near the Vietnam border. The government has been transparent by allowing access to one of the centers, demonstrating their dedication to eliminating these illegal activities. The crackdown was prompted after an incident involving an alleged scam kingpin. This person was indicted by the United States, which led to his extradition from China to Cambodia. Following this, authorities intensified their efforts against the organized crime involved in running these centers. During the ongoing operations, the authorities have made significant arrests. A total of 173 senior crime figures connected to these scam centers have been detained. These arrests are part of the effort to dismantle the networks behind the fraudulent activities. In addition to arresting key figures, authorities have deported approximately 11,000 workers connected to the scam centers. Many of these workers were involved in operational tasks within the illegal centers. The deportation of such a large number of workers underlines the scale of the crackdown. The operation is not limited to one area. It has been conducted across multiple provinces, targeting several illegal operations involved in transnational fraud. The focus is on disrupting the entire criminal network to prevent similar activities from resuming. Cambodia’s government has emphasized that the fight against these scam centers is part of wider efforts to combat transnational crime and human trafficking. By closing these centers and arresting criminals, the authorities aim to protect citizens and uphold international laws. The United States, along with other international partners, has played a role in supporting these efforts. The extradition of the alleged scam kingpin from China highlights Cambodia’s cooperation with global law enforcement in addressing these crimes. The crackdown on scam centers is ongoing, with authorities maintaining their commitment to identifying and closing illegal operations. The government continues to work towards creating a safer environment for its citizens and foreign visitors. Important figures show that since the beginning of the operation, about 190 centers have been closed, and over 170 crime figures have been arrested. The deportation of around 11,000 workers demonstrates the large scale of this initiative. Cambodia’s efforts reflect its intention to strictly control illegal activities within its borders. The government has signaled that it will continue to take strong actions to eliminate fraud and related crimes in the future. This operation marks a significant step in Cambodia’s fight against transnational fraud and shows the country’s determination to improve safety and security for all.