Background
Provincial unified administrative commands organize multi‑agency inspections of private lodgings to detect illegal foreign residency and linked criminal activities. Operations are led at the provincial level by governors and police commanders and typically involve coordination with criminal police departments, gendarmerie units, local authorities and prosecutorial representatives.
Authorities reported that the operation included education and formal agreements under Sub‑decree No.03 of the Royal Government and the national law on combating online scams. Identified foreign nationals may be transferred to district police stations for questioning and onward administrative or judicial procedures under Cambodia’s domestic procedures.
Key Developments
On Friday 5 June 2026, provincial unified command forces conducted administrative inspections in Tbong Khmum province focused on villas, guesthouses and rental rooms suspected of harboring foreigners staying without proper authorization and participating in online scam activity. The enforcement team inspected three rental locations in Trapaing Plong II village, Trapaing Plong commune, Ponhea Kraek district; the sites comprised 88 rooms, 9 container units, one canteen and two kitchens.
Authorities reported locating 23 foreign nationals during the inspections, including three women. The individuals were transferred to the Ponhea Kraek district police station for questioning and continuation of legal and administrative procedures.
Institutional Role
The National Police of Cambodia and the provincial unified administrative command led the operation under directives from the provincial governor and police commander. Criminal police, the provincial gendarmerie, local administrative authorities and a representative from the provincial prosecutor’s office participated in on‑site checks and follow‑up processing.
Operational Implications
Provincial authorities said the campaign will continue across all seven districts and municipalities of Tbong Khmum to locate suspected illegal residency and activities related to online scams, drug trade and child exploitation. The operation included outreach measures to inform lodging operators and residents about Sub‑decree No.03 and the anti‑online‑scam law as part of a compliance and prevention component.
