Cambodia Shuts Down Over 700 Online Scam Centers in Year-Long Crackdown

Cambodian authorities announced the closure of over 700 online scam centers during a year-long crackdown operation, with nearly 30,000 suspects arrested. The operation targeted an international criminal network operating romance and investment scams, resulting in the deportation of 58,266 foreign nationals.

Cambodia's Online Scam Crackdown

Overview

Cambodian authorities announced on August 28, 2026, the results of a year-long operation against online fraud, reporting the closure of over 700 scam centers, the arrest of nearly 30,000 suspects, and the deportation of 58,266 foreign nationals.

How These Scams Work

Cambodia had become a hub for an international criminal network operating sophisticated online fraud schemes:

Romance Scams: Fraudsters pose as romantic interests to build trust and extract money from victims
Investment Fraud: Perpetrators offer fake high-return investment opportunities
Distributed Operations: After major raids close large facilities, criminal networks relocated operations to smaller venues including guesthouses, apartments, rental homes, vehicles, and cafes

Key Arrests

Suspects came from 29 nationalities including China, Australia, France, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Notably, 15 high-ranking Cambodian officials were arrested for complicity, including a deputy prosecutor general, immigration director, Phnom Penh police commander, and a former Foreign Ministry official.

Warning Signs

Unsolicited romantic advances: Rapid relationship development with unknown persons on social media or dating apps
Unsupported investment promises: Offers of high returns without clear business models or verifiable track records
Quick money requests: Requests for funds shortly after initial contact
Resistance to verification: Reluctance to video call or meet in person
Pressure and urgency: Artificial time pressure to make financial decisions

Prevention Tips

Social Media Caution: Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially from overseas contacts
Verify Investments: Independently verify investment opportunities through official channels
Identity Verification: Confirm identities through multiple methods before any financial transaction
Consult Others: Discuss suspicious contacts with trusted friends or family
Official Sources: Verify financial services and investment opportunities through official websites
Be Skeptical: If an opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is

Where to Report

Local law enforcement and police departments
Consumer protection agencies
Online fraud reporting centers in your country
International cybercrime cooperation channels