Background
Online scam operations are a cybercrime and public security issue that typically involve the use of digital communications, computer equipment, and cross-border networks to defraud victims. In Cambodia, enforcement against online scams can involve coordination between the National Police, prosecutors, provincial authorities, and immigration authorities when foreign nationals, illegal work, or unlawful residence are identified.
Cambodia’s law enforcement system distinguishes between criminal investigation, prosecutorial procedure, and immigration handling. Foreign nationals found in suspected criminal compounds may be processed separately depending on evidence, with alleged organizers referred to court and other individuals transferred to immigration authorities for further action under immigration rules. Licensed casino operations are subject to separate regulatory oversight, and a casino license may be revoked by the competent authority if the premises are found to be connected to unlawful activity.
Key Developments
According to the National Police of Cambodia, a mixed operational force carried out a crackdown on 7 April 2026 at nine locations in Bavet city, Svay Rieng province, linked to illegal online scam activities. The operation was led by Lt. Gen. Hem Sovath, Deputy Commissioner General in charge of combating commercial gambling crimes, with procedural coordination from prosecutors attached to the Svay Rieng Provincial Court and cooperation from the Svay Rieng Provincial Police.
The police statement said the nine locations included two casino sites and seven flat-house locations. Authorities reported that the operation followed instructions from Prime Minister Hun Manet, direction from Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha, and implementation under National Police Commissioner General Sar Thet.
Police said 312 foreign nationals, including 61 women and representing five nationalities, were found during the operation. Seized items included 150 all-in-one desktop computers, one laptop computer, one monitor, 505 mobile phones, and four vehicles.
Authorities stated that an examination of desktop and laptop computers found activity related to technology-based fraud, described as online scams. Police said alleged ringleaders were sent to court, while other foreign nationals found to be illegally residing and working in Cambodia were transferred to the General Department of Immigration for deportation procedures.
The police statement also noted that the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia revoked the license of Golden Galaxy Casino in Bavet on 8 April 2026 after authorities found a connection to online scam offenses.
Implications
The operation indicates continued enforcement attention on cybercrime compounds operating from casinos and other urban properties near Cambodia’s border areas. It also shows that online scam cases can trigger parallel action across criminal procedure, immigration control, and gambling-sector oversight.
For businesses and property operators, the case highlights regulatory and enforcement risk where premises are used for unlawful online activity. For licensed gambling operators, the reported revocation of a casino license shows that gaming approvals may be affected when authorities identify links between licensed premises and suspected criminal operations.
Official Source
National Police of Cambodia announcement and linked police report: https://police.gov.kh/?p=150370
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.
