Background
The National Police of Cambodia reported an operation in Kampong Speu province targeting suspected online scam activities involving foreign nationals. The action took place in the context of the Prime Minister’s stated commitment to eliminate technology-based fraud originating from Cambodia by April 2026. Acting under high-level instructions from the National Police Commissioner and guidance from the Governor of Kampong Speu, the provincial police conducted an inspection at a rented residence in Samraong Tong district.
The operation was coordinated with the Royal Prosecutor attached to the Kampong Speu Provincial Court, reflecting judicial involvement in the procedural aspects of the case. The police acted on information that a group of foreign nationals, identified as Indonesians, had recently taken up residence at the location.
Scope of Application
The inspection was conducted pursuant to Sub-Decree No. 03 of the Royal Government of Cambodia on the management of security and safety at locations where foreigners reside and gather. Under this sub-decree, all foreigners staying in the Kingdom of Cambodia, whether short-term or long-term, and foreigners coming to work, must be reported to the competent authorities and relevant officials for registration.
In this case, the sub-decree was applied to a rented house used as accommodation for foreign nationals in Phum Tang Krasang, Phneay commune, Samraong Tong district, Kampong Speu province. The obligation to notify and register foreign residents was relevant to both the foreign tenants and the Cambodian landlord who rented the property to them.
Key Provisions or Decisions
According to the National Police account, the following actions and findings occurred:
- The Kampong Speu provincial police commissioner personally led a specialized police team to inspect the rented house identified in Samraong Tong district.
- Police acted on information indicating that a group of foreign nationals, including both men and women of Indonesian nationality, were staying at the property.
- At the inspection site, the house was found to be rented out by an individual named Sok Ni, resident of Phnom Penh, who had rented the premises to the foreign nationals.
- Authorities detained six foreign nationals, including four women, all identified as Indonesian citizens, on suspicion of involvement in technology-based fraud (online scams).
- During the search, police found and seized materials and equipment suspected to be used in online scam operations, including Wi-Fi transmission devices, internet cables, 59 mobile phones, seven laptop computers, and other related equipment.
- The police report links the operation to the enforcement of Sub-Decree No. 03 on registration and security management for foreign residents and gatherings.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The operation highlights active enforcement of Cambodia’s security and residency management framework for foreign nationals, particularly where technology-based fraud is suspected. Property owners and landlords who rent premises to foreigners are expected to comply with reporting and registration requirements under Sub-Decree No. 03 and to cooperate with competent authorities in verifying the lawful status and activities of tenants.
Businesses employing or hosting foreign workers, as well as operators of shared accommodations, should ensure that all foreign residents are properly registered with local authorities and that their business activities comply with Cambodian law. The case indicates that law enforcement may scrutinize locations where foreign nationals gather if there is information suggesting unregistered residence or suspected criminal activity, especially in relation to online scams.
Official Source
The information is based on an announcement by the National Police of Cambodia, referencing an operation conducted by the Kampong Speu Provincial Police, and is linked to Sub-Decree No. 03 of the Royal Government of Cambodia on security management at locations where foreigners reside and gather.
Related Developments
This topic is part of ongoing policy and enforcement developments related to cybercrime and online fraud in Cambodia, including scam investigations, regulatory responses, and cross-border cooperation.
