In a massive blow to regional cyber-fraud operations, the Cambodian National Police conducted an unprecedented morning raid on a sprawling casino complex in Bavet City on January 31, 2026. The operation, targeting the Van Chherng (A7) compound, resulted in the detention of over 2,000 foreign nationals, signaling a decisive escalation in the Kingdom’s fight against transnational technology-based crimes.
Strategic Strike on a Cyber-Fraud Hub
Coordinated by H.E. General Sar Thet, Commissioner General of the National Police, and led by Deputy Commissioners Lieutenant General Chiv Phally and Lieutenant General Moung Sothea, the raid deployed approximately 700 specialized officers. The operation focused on 22 buildings within the A7 complex, located near the Vietnamese border, which were suspected of housing sophisticated “call center” gangs.
The breakdown of the 2,044 foreigners detained reveals the diverse and transnational nature of the syndicate:
- China: 1,792 (including 5 from Taiwan)
- Myanmar: 179
- Vietnam: 177
- India: 36
- Nepal: 30
- Others: Individuals from Laos (2), Malaysia (1), and Mexico (1).
“Hell for Criminals”: A Firm Policy Stance
H.E. Touch Sokhak, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy. Echoing a famous warning from Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, he stated, “Cambodia is not a safe haven for criminals; it is a hell for criminals.”
This operation follows the landmark arrest and extradition of high-profile tycoon Chen Zhi earlier in January 2026. As the head of the sanctioned Prince Group, Chen Zhi’s fall has triggered a mass exodus from scam compounds across the country. The Royal Government of Cambodia, under Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, has designated the suppression of online scams as a top national priority, resulting in over 5,100 arrests and 4,500 deportations in the last seven months alone.
Impact on National Stability and International Reputation
For the international community and foreign investors, this sustained crackdown is a vital step toward restoring Cambodia’s reputation. By dismantling these multi-billion-dollar fraud networks, the government is:
- Securing the Digital Economy: Protecting the integrity of the FinTech and e-commerce sectors.
- Ending Human Rights Abuses: Addressing international concerns regarding human trafficking and forced labor within scam compounds.
- Strengthening Regional Ties: Actively sharing intelligence with partners like South Korea, India, and China to disrupt cross-border criminal logistics.
H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, Minister of Interior, has placed online scam suppression among the ministry’s top six priorities, warning that any official found complicit or negligent in these crimes will face immediate dismissal and legal action
FAQ: The Bavet Casino Raid & Cybercrime Crackdown
Authorities are currently conducting identity checks to distinguish between criminal masterminds, willing participants, and victims of human trafficking. Those found guilty of crimes will face legal action, while those deemed victims or illegal residents will be repatriated to their home countries.
Bavet’s location on the border with Vietnam makes it a strategic transit point for transnational syndicates. The government is systematically targeting border zones to ensure these gangs cannot easily move their operations across the frontier.
Businesses are encouraged to use secure, regulated payment systems like Bakong and to promptly report any suspicious digital activity to the National Police’s anti-cybercrime unit.