Cambodia has deported 36 Vietnamese nationals, including 12 women, for alleged involvement in online scams, illegal residence, and unauthorised employment, the General Department of Immigration announced.

The deportation took place on Friday through the Trapeang Phlong International Border Checkpoint in Tbong Khmum province, following instructions from General Department of Immigration Director-General Lieutenant General Sok Veasna.

The Department of Investigation and Procedures carried out the operation under guidance from Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha.

The operation forms part of government efforts to enforce immigration laws and crack down on foreign nationals involved in technology-based fraud.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has reiterated that Cambodia will not permit criminals to use its territory as a base for online scams threatening regional and global security. He instructed authorities to continue investigating, suppressing, and deporting offenders to protect national security and the country’s reputation.

Under Ministry of Interior direction, law enforcement agencies are continuing efforts to combat cybercrime, apprehend ringleaders, and rescue victims forced into illicit operations so they can return home safely.