Phnom Penh’s Military Police have dismantled a counterfeit cash operation that preyed on foreign tourists, arresting five suspects in raids across the capital. The crackdown comes after a visitor reported that $1,400 in genuine notes had been swapped for fake $100 bills during a massage appointment.

Responding to the complaint, officers raided a parlour on Sothearos Street late on 26 January, uncovering hidden doors and lockers designed to trick guests while their money was stolen. Seven people were initially detained, though three were later released after being cleared of involvement.

Further searches at two parlours in Boeung Keng Kang district revealed secret entrances and large stashes of counterfeit currency. One suspect, Tong Yuth, 50, was arrested as a supervisor at one of the sites.

The five now facing charges are Pheng Soklai, 44, Oeun Sam An, 47, Tong Yuth, 50, Try Sima, 23, and Tuy Meng Hong, 19. All confessed to orchestrating the scam, which relied on elaborate tricks to switch tourists’ cash for forged notes.

Authorities say the operation was carefully staged, with massage rooms concealing hidden doors and lockers masking entry points to steal from unsuspecting visitors. Counterfeit dollars seized during the raids have been submitted as evidence.

The suspects face charges of fraud, theft, conspiracy to commit aggravated theft, and possession of counterfeit money. They have been handed over to the Phnom Penh court for prosecution.

Officials stressed that the crackdown reflects growing vigilance against scams targeting foreign visitors, warning that such schemes undermine Cambodia’s reputation as a tourist destination. The investigation continues, with police seeking the owner of one of the parlours, identified as Sros, who fled before the raids.

This case highlights both the risks faced by travellers and the determination of Phnom Penh’s authorities to dismantle organised fraud operations. Readers can expect further updates as court proceedings unfold.

-2026-01-29

I don't think I've ever been on holiday in Asia with $100 on me.

Why are these people carrying so much money?

LOL:
is this a new scam and only recently found out its taken place?🤤