PHNOM PENH, December 19, 2025 — In a decisive move to bolster national security and regional stability, the Royal Government has significantly escalated Cambodia’s crackdown on online scams. Over the last six months, authorities have processed 35 major cases, targeting the sophisticated infrastructure of transnational cyber-fraud networks operating within the Kingdom.
A report released on Thursday by the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) details a high-impact enforcement window that concluded on December 18. This operation marks a turning point in the country’s efforts to shed its reputation as a hub for illicit digital activities.
The Scale of Cambodia’s Crackdown on Online Scams
The data provided by the CCOS reveals a massive mobilization of resources across 18 municipalities and provinces. The scale of Cambodia’s crackdown on online scams is evidenced by the following achievements:
- Nationwide Raids: Task forces successfully inspected and raided 118 locations, dismantling bases used for orchestrated cross-border fraud.
- Massive Arrests: A total of 4,983 suspects from 23 different nationalities were detained during the operation.
- Targeting Ringleaders: Authorities are currently processing 168 suspected ringleaders and accomplices, shifting the focus from low-level operators to the “kingpins” behind the syndicates.
- International Deportations: Following the raids, 4,039 foreign nationals were deported, signaling Cambodia’s refusal to serve as a transit point for global crime.
International Recognition and Political Will
The effectiveness of Cambodia’s crackdown on online scams has not gone unnoticed. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently commended the Kingdom’s “clear political will” to resolve the crisis.
For years, the region has faced pressure to dismantle centers where victims of human trafficking are often forced to work under duress. This recent enforcement phase has led to the rescue of numerous trafficking victims, who are now being processed for safe repatriation to their home countries.
A Tech-Driven Approach to National Security
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the CCOS is pivoting toward a more technical and forensic approach. Beyond physical arrests, the crackdown has resulted in the seizure of thousands of digital devices, which are currently undergoing forensic analysis to map financial flows and cross-border criminal movements.
The Secretariat stated that online fraud is a global challenge that requires “coordinated international mechanisms.” By maintaining an open policy for joint investigations and information sharing, Cambodia is positioning itself as a proactive partner in the global fight against cyber-syndicates.
Protecting the Cambodia Vision 2050
As Cambodia advances toward its Vision 2050, ensuring a safe digital environment is paramount. The ongoing Cambodia’s crackdown on online scams is a vital pillar of this strategy, protecting the nation’s reputation and ensuring that it remains a secure destination for international investment and tourism.