Cambodia has launched a national cybercrime task force to crack down on online scams, human trafficking, and money laundering. This initiative comes after growing global scrutiny following US and UK sanctions against Prince Holding Group and its founder, Chen Zhi.
Coordinated Crackdown Across Ministries
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the new task force will coordinate multiple agencies to enforce tougher digital surveillance, suspend illegal websites, and revoke business licenses tied to scam operations. Furthermore, officials vowed to pursue criminal masterminds, protect victims, and “preserve order, peace, and dignity.”
Although the statement did not mention Prince Holding Group by name, authorities admitted that Cambodia’s cybercriminal networks often operate across borders, using encrypted platforms and digital currencies. As a result, these syndicates blur the line between victims and perpetrators through deceptive recruitment schemes.
International Pressure and Major Sanctions
In addition, the initiative follows intense international pressure. Earlier this month, the US declared Prince Holding Group a transnational criminal organization and filed a civil forfeiture claim for 127,271 Bitcoin—worth around $15 billion—linked to alleged money laundering and fraud by Chen Zhi. Consequently, this marks the largest forfeiture case in US Department of Justice history.
Violence Triggers Public Outcry
Recent violent incidents have intensified calls for reform. For example, the murder of a South Korean student near Bokor Mountain, allegedly by members of Chinese-run scam groups, sparked outrage in South Korea and led to new travel warnings. Therefore, Cambodia and South Korea signed an agreement to jointly combat transnational cybercrime and protect potential victims.
Government Actions and Next Steps
Authorities report that they have revoked 120 business licenses, shut down over 1,000 gambling-related websites, and frozen accounts linked to scam operations. Meanwhile, collaboration with foreign embassies has helped repatriate victims and share intelligence on cybercriminal networks.
Cambodian police have also carried out nationwide raids, rescuing both local and foreign victims while arresting hundreds of suspects. Moving forward, the government plans to expand its digital forensics capabilities and strengthen regional enforcement partnerships.
Officials said that these steps reflect Cambodia’s “firm commitment to eradicating online crimes, safeguarding digital integrity, and promoting a safer cyberspace.” Overall, the measures aim to restore confidence and demonstrate the government’s proactive approach to tackling cybercrime.
