Cambodia has intensified its nationwide crackdown on telecom and internet fraud, setting an ambitious goal to dismantle major scam operations by the end of April. Senior law enforcement officials say the campaign aims to prevent the country from being used as a regional hub for cross-border fraud. Moreover, it targets online scam networks.
The effort has already triggered large-scale raids and a surge in foreign departures. In addition, there is now deeper cooperation with international partners as authorities move to dismantle scam compounds and disrupt criminal infrastructure.
High-Pressure Crackdown Targets Scam Compounds
According to figures reported by Cambodia China Times, authorities have investigated 190 suspected scam locations since the start of 2026. They have also arrested 2,508 individuals linked to telecom and online fraud.
As enforcement pressure increased, several scam groups reportedly shut down operations voluntarily. Over the same period, more than 110,000 foreign nationals exited Cambodia. Officials partly attribute this trend to compound closures and tighter immigration controls introduced alongside the crackdown.
Officials describe the campaign as a “high-pressure” operation designed to eliminate major scam networks. It is also meant to prevent Cambodia from serving as a safe haven for organized cybercrime. With the April deadline approaching, all law enforcement agencies have been ordered to expand inspections nationwide. Now they must investigate suspected hotspots.
Zero-Tolerance Orders from National Leadership
National Police Commissioner Sar Thet confirmed that the police are acting under direct orders from Prime Minister Hun Manet to eradicate telecom fraud. Speaking at a ministry review meeting, Sar Thet said authorities will maintain aggressive enforcement and dismantle criminal networks. This will be done in line with government directives.
Hun Manet has reinforced a zero-tolerance policy, warning that any officials found to be assisting or protecting scam operations will face strict legal penalties. The prime minister has framed telecom fraud as both a criminal and national security issue. He cited the growing threat posed by cross-border cybercrime.
International Support and Regional Cooperation
Cambodia’s campaign has received backing from regional partners, particularly China. On February 7, Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin met with Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister. He praised Phnom Penh’s commitment to enforcing anti-fraud measures.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Sok Touch confirmed that operations are now underway across the entire country. This signals that enforcement is no longer limited to known hotspots but is expanding to cover all suspected areas.
High-Profile Arrest Signals Shift in Strategy
The intensified enforcement follows the January arrest and deportation of alleged scam kingpin Chen Zhi to China. Cambodian authorities described the case as a turning point. It marked a shift toward targeting senior organizers rather than only lower-level operatives.
Since Chen Zhi’s repatriation, Cambodia has accelerated its crackdown. This signals a broader effort to change the country’s reputation and shut down large-scale scam infrastructure.
With the end-April deadline approaching, officials now face the challenge of turning short-term enforcement into long-term structural change. They must ensure that telecom fraud networks cannot re-establish themselves once the current wave of raids concludes.
