The Cambodian government said it has raided more than 250 suspected scam centres over the past nine months, focusing on operations allegedly involved in online fraud, illegal gambling, and organised criminal activity. Officials described the casino closures as part of a broader effort to dismantle scam compounds and foreign-run networks operating within the country.
Mass Deportations Reflect Scale of Enforcement Push
Authorities also confirmed that 13,039 foreign nationals from 33 countries have been deported for alleged involvement in online scam activities. In addition, 241,888 individuals reportedly left Cambodia voluntarily between mid-January and April 19 as enforcement activity escalated, demonstrating the significant impact of the crackdown on Cambodia’s foreign workforce and underground digital economy.
China Urges Cambodia to Intensify Action Against Cross-Border Crime
The announcement followed a high-level visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Phnom Penh, where he met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on April 22. During the meeting, Beijing urged Cambodia to strengthen enforcement against cross-border gambling and online fraud, warning that such activities pose serious threats to public safety and regional stability.
The issue has increasingly shaped Cambodia-China relations, as Chinese authorities continue to raise concerns about scam networks targeting mainland citizens from bases across Southeast Asia. Cambodia has faced repeated calls from Beijing to take stronger action against transnational cybercrime groups operating within its borders.
Xinhua Reports Casinos Served as Fronts for Scam Operations
According to official statements reported by Xinhua News Agency, Cambodian authorities identified the 91 casinos as either directly operating scam activities or facilitating online fraud networks. The closures signal a more aggressive enforcement stance, particularly against land-based venues suspected of serving as infrastructure hubs or operational fronts for illicit digital schemes.
New Anti-Scam Law Introduces Harsher Penalties
The crackdown also coincides with tighter legislation, as Cambodia introduced a new law on combating online scams that came into force on April 6. The law imposes significantly harsher penalties, including prison terms of 15 to 30 years or life imprisonment for scam operators whose actions result in fatalities.
Under the framework, ringleaders face sentences of five to 10 years, rising to 10 to 20 years in cases involving violence, human trafficking, illegal detention, or forced labour. Lower-level participants may receive two to five years in prison. The law was promulgated by royal decree signed by Hun Sen, acting as head of state, following Senate approval on April 3, and took immediate effect.
Cambodia Seeks to Restore International Reputation Amid Global Pressure
Cambodian authorities have framed the enforcement campaign as a long-term effort requiring cooperation between domestic agencies, foreign governments, and international partners. The government also indicated the crackdown is intended to rebuild Cambodia’s global reputation, which has been increasingly damaged by reports linking the country to scam compounds, forced labour, and human trafficking.
International pressure has intensified as cyber scam networks continue expanding across Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar. Governments including the United States have responded with enforcement actions such as sanctions and criminal charges against individuals and entities linked to these operations.
Following his visit to Cambodia, Wang Yi continued his regional tour to Thailand, where discussions also reportedly focused on strengthening cross-border cooperation against cybercrime and illegal online gambling.
Crackdown Signals Shift Toward Direct Action on Casino-Linked Crime
The closure of 91 casinos represents one of Cambodia’s most visible enforcement actions to date and reflects a shift toward direct intervention at the intersection of land-based gambling infrastructure and online criminal activity. The move also signals Phnom Penh’s intent to demonstrate tangible progress as scrutiny increases from China, the US, and other regional stakeholders.
