Cambodia has taken action against 972 locations linked to online scams, detained 5,032 suspects and repatriated 23,760 foreign nationals of 38 nationalities as part of its nationwide crackdown between July 2025 and October 2026, the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) said on Friday.
Chhay Sinarith, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions and Standing Vice-Chairman of the CCOS, presided over a briefing session outlining the Government’s efforts and achievements in combating online scams.
The briefing was attended in person by 46 members of the foreign diplomatic corps and representatives of international organisations accredited to Cambodia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Another 18 representatives from Cambodian diplomatic missions abroad participated virtually.
The session was organised in coordination with Eat Sophea, Standing Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and attended by ministry leaders and senior officials from the CCOS Secretariat.
Sinarith reaffirmed Cambodia’s firm stance against online scams, highlighting three key strategic directions that the Royal Government is pursuing.
In a statement issued on Friday, the CCOS said Cambodia remained committed to implementing the 11 key action points outlined in the Phnom Penh Declaration to strengthen international cooperation against online scams.
The Government acknowledged information regarding US sanctions targeting individuals and entities associated with the Prince Group network. Cambodia is conducting in-depth investigations and working closely with international law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Interpol, to dismantle transnational criminal syndicates at their roots, the statement said.
The Government is also prioritising efforts to combat human trafficking and identify foreign nationals who have been deceived and lured into scam operations by criminal syndicates, ensuring their protection and facilitating their repatriation in accordance with legal procedures and international humanitarian standards, it added.
Sinarith stressed that foreign nationals who voluntarily engage in scam operations for financial gain or knowingly continue to participate in illegal activities would not be classified as victims and would face the full force of the law.
Cambodia has also strengthened law enforcement measures by using digital evidence extracted from electronic devices and technological systems to prosecute and convict ringleaders, rather than relying solely on victims’ complaints.
Authorities are further investigating financial networks, concealed assets, the use of cryptocurrencies and casinos allegedly operating illegal online gambling activities under false pretences.
As part of these efforts, authorities have revoked 18 casino licences linked to the Prince Group network, associated with Chen Zhi and Li Kuong, and suspended another 10 casino licences, according to the CCOS.
From July 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026, authorities took action against 972 targeted locations and prepared case files for court proceedings in 568 cases, Sinarith said.
During the same period, 5,032 suspects were indicted and placed in pre-trial detention pending judicial proceedings, while 23,760 foreign nationals from 38 nationalities were repatriated to their countries of origin.
In addition, more than $300 million held in bank accounts, along with movable and immovable assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars, have been frozen and are subject to legal confiscation procedures under applicable laws.
