PHNOM PENH — Cambodian authorities have arrested 61 Chinese nationals, including six women, following coordinated raids on cyber scam operations across two districts in the capital, local authorities confirmed Wednesday.
The sweep, conducted on May 25 by unified district forces, targeted transnational fraud syndicates operating from multiple residential locations within Phnom Penh. The operations were carried out under the direct orders of Phnom Penh Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng and Lt. Gen. Chuon Narin, Deputy National Police Chief and Phnom Penh Municipal Police Chief, with legal coordination from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court’s prosecutor’s office.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of raids | May 25, 2026 |
| Total arrested | 61 (Chinese and Taiwanese nationals) |
| Women among arrested | 6 |
| Locations | Khan Prampi Makara, Khan Chbar Ampov |
| Devices seized | 98 computers, 113 phones, routers, SIM cards |
| Alleged crimes | Fake e‑commerce, bogus investments, phantom employment |
Two Districts Targeted
Khan Prampi Makara (7 Makara District): Led by Deputy Prosecutor Phi Sithong, authorities raided a residential property in Sangkat Veal Vong. Six individuals from Taiwan, including one woman, were detained. Police seized four smartphones, one all‑in‑one computer, nine monitors, and four central processing units (CPUs).
Khan Chbar Ampov (Chbar Ampov District): Facilitated by Deputy Prosecutor Tin Sochetra, security forces raided three locations within the Borey Peng Huoth residential development in Sangkat Veal Sbov. The operation resulted in the arrest of 55 Chinese nationals (five women) and the confiscation of 98 all‑in‑one computers, five laptops, nine monitors, seven CPUs, 113 mobile phones, three Wi‑Fi routers, and a quantity of foreign SIM cards.
Fraud Schemes and Evidence
Initial investigations reveal that the suspects used sophisticated technology to orchestrate various forms of digital fraud. The syndicates allegedly created fraudulent e‑commerce websites and fake digital marketplaces to lure victims into bogus investments and phantom employment schemes, targeting individuals in mainland China and Taiwan.
All 61 foreign suspects and the confiscated electronic evidence have been transferred to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Headquarters. Authorities stated that legal case files are being processed.
Legal Context
The raids follow a directive from Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, who has ordered national police forces to root out cyber‑fraud networks. The government has prioritized the eradication of such syndicates to maintain domestic security and protect Cambodia’s international reputation amid regional scrutiny of cybercrime hubs.
The Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh has not yet issued a statement on the arrests. It is unclear whether the detainees have legal representation. Their fate will be determined by Cambodian courts; extradition to China is possible under existing bilateral agreements, though no formal request has been announced.
Analyst’s View
Dr. Chheng Kimlong, a regional security analyst, said the coordinated raids reflect growing Cambodia‑China cooperation against transnational cybercrime.
“The scale of the operation — two districts, detailed evidence collection, and precise targeting — suggests intelligence sharing with Chinese authorities. These arrests are likely the result of a joint effort. Cambodia is signaling that it is no longer a safe haven for scam operations, which is essential for rebuilding investor confidence,” he said.