Phnom Penh authorities have unveiled an ambitious plan to dismantle cyberfraud networks and illegal gambling operations, ordering systematic inspections of condominiums and densely populated areas suspected of harbouring illicit activity. The move follows mounting concern over Cambodia’s role as a hub for online scams targeting foreign victims.

Governor Khuong Sreng, who chairs the Capital Unified Command Committee, announced the initiative on Monday, stressing that fighting online scams is a priority for the Royal Government. “Our law enforcement forces have already carried out continuous crackdowns on online scams and related crimes, including extortion,” he said. The campaign will also target cockfighting, card games, dice gambling and illegal lottery operations, which officials say undermine livelihoods.

The crackdown comes amid a surge in arrests: 39 foreigners have been detained in connection with cyberfraud in the first ten days of 2026, according to the Secretariat of the Commission for Combatting Online Scams. Authorities say the new plan will involve large-scale operations across all 14 districts, with every condominium and residential cluster subject to inspection.

The government has also tightened rules on foreign residents. A new sub-decree requires property owners and managers to verify the legal status of expatriates before allowing them to stay, with fines of up to four million riels for violations. Foreigners must be registered within 48 hours of arrival, and suspicious activity must be reported to police.

The campaign coincides with the dramatic arrest and extradition of Chen Zhi, founder of the Prince Group conglomerate, accused of being a “kingpin” of online fraud. Days later, the National Bank of Cambodia placed Prince Bank Plc, a subsidiary of the group, into liquidation, giving depositors and creditors 30 days to file claims.

Officials say the crackdown is part of a broader effort to restore public confidence and attract investment. International affairs expert Kin Phea called for stronger multinational cooperation, noting that cyberfraud is a regional and global problem. “China has set itself as an example of a helpful partner, and we wish to see more of such cooperation,” he said.

The Ministry of Interior has instructed immigration authorities to tighten residency controls and strengthen border management, aiming to safeguard national security and reassure tourists and investors. For Phnom Penh, the sweeping measures mark a decisive attempt to confront a problem that has tarnished Cambodia’s reputation and shaken public trust.

-2026-01-14

39 out of 40,000? Nobody knows how many people are involved in these cyber fraud schemes but they're reputed to be in the tens of thousands, and more than likely these are schemes that are sponsored by Hun Sen, so the crackdown is likely to be a ruse, or they could be focusing on organizations that are not paying a sufficient royalty to the toxic Sen family.