Background
Provincial police units carry out on-site investigations and arrests for alleged online scam operations in coordination with municipal administrations and provincial prosecutors. The operation in Svay Rieng led to the detention of 30 suspected perpetrators, including 25 Chinese nationals and five Myanmar nationals.
Local law-enforcement practice in Cambodia assigns provincial police primary responsibility for executing criminal investigations on their territory, while case files and evidence are prepared for submission to the provincial court under the supervision of prosecutors. Operational teams commonly secure premises and seize electronic devices when investigating technology-facilitated financial crimes.
Key Developments
On 23 May 2026, Svay Rieng provincial police, together with the city administration unity command of Bavet and with coordination from a deputy provincial prosecutor, investigated suspected online-scam sites located in rented villas and flat units in Bavet Kandal village, Bavet commune, Bavet city. Authorities reported temporary closure of the sites while the investigation proceeded.
Enforcement Actions
Authorities detained 30 persons (including two women) during the operation; official reporting specifies 25 Chinese nationals (one female) and five Myanmar nationals (one female). Investigators removed evidentiary items including All‑In‑One desktop computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices and are preparing the case file for transfer to the provincial court for legal proceedings.
Institutional Role and Operational Implications
The operation illustrates the routine role of provincial police in Cambodia for addressing cross-border and technology‑facilitated criminal activity at local operational hubs. Use of rented residential properties as alleged operational bases for online scams highlights an enforcement focus on identifying physical locations that support remote fraud schemes.
