Vow to Eliminate Scam Complexes in Cambodia: Main Operators Remain Untouched
Cambodia Cracks Down on Online Scam Industry, but Concerns Remain
The Cambodian government has launched a substantial crackdown on the online scam industry, with thousands of arrests and raids across the country. The operation, announced last month by Prime Minister Hun Manet, has received praise from China and other countries struggling with the consequences of the scam industry.
Crackdown Scale and Government Commitment
Since mid-2025, Cambodia has arrested over 2,700 individuals, including foreign nationals from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and other countries. These operations reflect the direct implementation of orders from Prime Minister Hun Manet, who has emphasized rooting out online fraud and illegal cybercrime activities. Authorities have established multi-agency task forces and legal frameworks to prosecute involved individuals and deport foreigners engaged in illegal activity.
International Cooperation and Broad Enforcement
The crackdown has included cooperation with neighboring countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, and the arrests span at least 19 nationalities. Cambodian officials affirm their ongoing commitment from top leadership to sustain these efforts and dismantle scam operations regardless of affiliation or location within Cambodia.
Reports of Continued Scam Operations and Criticisms
Despite official crackdowns, investigative reports and expert analyses point to continued operations of scam centers. These remain largely embedded in Cambodian territory, sometimes operating in plain sight. There are allegations and documented cases of individuals being trafficked or coerced into working inside scam compounds under conditions resembling modern slavery, despite government claims that few detainees are held against their will.
Skepticism Over Government’s Long-Term Commitment and Possible Political Motives
Some analysts argue that these crackdowns may be largely performative, aimed at placating international pressure, safeguarding diplomatic relationships, and countering expected negative assessments in human trafficking reports. The argument suggests that dismantling the scam industry would require confronting powerful local networks and officials allegedly benefiting from or protecting the industry, which the government might be reluctant to do.
The authorities' claim of few arrests being against their will contrasts with previous research indicating thousands trafficked or duped into forced labor. The crackdown is aimed at online scam sites that have operated largely in the open, with police beginning raids across the country. Telegram channels used by cyber criminals have gone into a frenzy, warning others of the crackdown, and videos have circulated showing mass evacuations from compounds.
However, the persistence of scam operations, ongoing modern slavery concerns, and critiques about the depth of reform indicate that the crackdown’s effectiveness remains limited or partial. The situation continues to evolve, with sustained international scrutiny and demands for more comprehensive and transparent interventions.
[1] Cambodia Cracks Down on Online Scams: Thousands Arrested in Nationwide Raids [2] Cambodia's Crackdown on Online Scams: A Step Forward or Just a Show? [3] Modern Slavery in Cambodia: The Untold Stories of Scam Centers [4] Cambodia's War on Scams: A Multi-Agency Approach [5] The Politics of Cambodia's Online Scam Crackdown
[1] The multi-agency task forces set up by the Cambodian government to combat online scam operations have reported the arrest of over 2,700 individuals, with the operations receiving praise from international allies.
[2] Amidst the widespread crackdown on scam activities in Cambodia, some political commentary suggests that the initiative may be more about appeasing international pressure and diplomatic relations rather than a genuine commitment to eradicate the issue.
