Nearly 1,800 Chinese held in Cambodia raid

Cambodia has carried out its biggest crackdown yet on online fraud, detaining more than 2,000 people in a dramatic raid on a scam compound in Bavet city, close to the Vietnamese border.

Officials said nearly 1,800 of those arrested were Chinese nationals, reflecting Beijing’s mounting pressure on Phnom Penh to dismantle criminal networks that have thrived in the region. The compound, made up of 22 buildings and disguised as a casino, had long been suspected of hosting illegal telecoms and online fraud operations.

The Interior Ministry described Saturday’s raid as “the largest operation” since Cambodia launched its nationwide campaign against online scams. Ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak insisted the country “will never loosen its crackdowns,” adding that Cambodia is “not a safe haven, but a hell for criminals.”

Alongside the Chinese suspects, detainees included nationals from Vietnam, Myanmar and several other Asian countries. While authorities have not confirmed extradition plans, Chinese citizens are expected to be repatriated, following the recent handover of alleged cybercrime boss Chen Zhi to Beijing.

The crackdown is part of a wider regional effort. China has intensified its fight against telecoms fraud, initially targeting syndicates in northern Myanmar before shifting focus to Cambodia, where scam centres have proliferated. Beijing has voiced concern over the disappearance of Chinese nationals in Cambodia, warning that such incidents risk damaging bilateral ties.

Cambodian officials say the fraud industry has tarnished the country’s reputation. Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol pledged last month that authorities would “spare no effort” to eradicate the problem. According to official figures, more than 5,000 suspects from 23 countries have been arrested in Cambodia over the past seven months, with most deported.

Saturday’s operation in Bavet, coupled with simultaneous raids in other provinces, marks a decisive moment in Cambodia’s campaign. For a government keen to reassure both domestic and international audiences, the message is clear: the era of impunity for online fraud syndicates is drawing to a close.

-2026-02-03