PHNOM PENH โ Cambodiaโs National Police have intensified operations against online scam networks, detaining more than 3,300 suspects during a nationwide crackdown conducted over the first three weeks of May 2026.
According to a press release issued by the General Commissariat of National Police on May 24, the operations were carried out under the direction of the Royal Government and the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with relevant law enforcement agencies and local authorities.
Quick Facts: May 2026 Online Scam Crackdown
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Period | May 1 โ May 22, 2026 |
| Locations raided | 50 |
| Total suspects detained | ~3,320 |
| Nationalities involved | 32 |
| Deported | 1,030 (16 nationalities) |
| Referred to court | 96 (6 nationalities) |
| Released (no involvement) | 559 (3 nationalities) |
| Awaiting legal procedures | 1,590 (16 nationalities) |
| Voluntary repatriation requested | 45 (8 nationalities) |
50 Locations Raided, 32 Nationalities Arrested
Between May 1 and May 22, authorities raided 50 locations linked to online scam activities across the country, arresting approximately 3,320 individuals of 32 nationalities.
The scale of the operation reflects a sustained government effort to dismantle transnational cyberโfraud syndicates operating from Cambodian soil.
Deportations, Court Referrals, and Releases
Of the total arrested:
| Disposition | Number | Nationalities |
|---|---|---|
| Deported (via General Department of Immigration) | 1,030 | 16 |
| Referred to court for legal proceedings | 96 | 6 |
| Released after educational guidance (not involved in criminal activities) | 559 | 3 |
| Awaiting legal procedures at provincial police headquarters | 1,590 | 16 |
| Requested voluntary repatriation | 45 | 8 |
The National Police said the intensive operations have disrupted scam networks, forcing some operators to go into hiding within Cambodia while others fled abroad and attempted to continue fraudulent activities in neighbouring countries.
Administrative Measures Against Property Owners
Alongside the crackdown, local authorities have also implemented administrative measures at collective accommodation sites and imposed fines on several property owners for negligence or for providing illegal accommodation to foreign nationals, in accordance with SubโDecree No. 03 on security and safety management at collective residential locations.
These measures signal that landlords and business owners who knowingly or negligently house scam operations will face penalties.
Commitment to Sustained Operations
The General Commissariat of National Police pledged to continue the operations on a permanent basis without relaxation and called on the public not to shelter or provide locations for online scam syndicates.
Citizens were encouraged to report any information related to online scam activities to the authorities to help maintain public order and social security.
Context
The May crackdown follows a series of highโlevel directives from Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who recently ordered tough legal action against officials involved in or failing to combat online scam networks. The government has also sought regional cooperation, particularly with China, to identify and repatriate foreign nationals operating illegal scam centres.
Human rights observers have noted the importance of due process for detainees, while welcoming the governmentโs increased enforcement efforts.
Outlook
With more than 1,500 suspects still awaiting legal procedures, provincial courts will face a heavy caseload in the coming months. The National Police have indicated that further raids are planned, and no end date has been set for the current campaign.