Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has pledged to dismantle the country’s sprawling online fraud industry, describing it as a “black economy” that is destroying legitimate business and tarnishing the nation’s reputation.

In a rare interview with AFP, Manet said scam centres were undermining tourism and investment, insisting that most of the proceeds never reach the government. “This is the reason why we need to clean this out,” he declared.

The fraud networks, often run by crime syndicates, lure victims worldwide into fake romantic relationships and cryptocurrency schemes. Experts estimate the industry generates more than $12.5 billion annually in Cambodia, equivalent to half the country’s formal GDP. Many of the estimated 100,000 workers are trafficked foreigners forced to operate under threat of violence.

Authorities say they have shut down over 200 compounds and arrested more than 170 senior figures. By the end of 2025, some 13,500 people from 66 countries had been deported. The government has pledged to eliminate scam operations entirely by April.

Manet also addressed the case of Chen Zhi, a tycoon accused of running a cyber‑fraud empire through his Prince Group conglomerate. Once an adviser to Cambodian leaders, Chen was extradited to China in January after being stripped of Cambodian nationality.

Manet insisted officials were unaware of his criminal role until allegations surfaced.

The prime minister, who succeeded his father Hun Sen in 2023, acknowledged that scam centres had indirectly boosted real estate and construction but denied Cambodia had profited from them. He stressed that the crackdown was essential to restore credibility and attract genuine investment.

Cambodia’s campaign comes amid wider regional pressure, with Beijing driving cross‑border operations to repatriate thousands of scam workers. For Phnom Penh, the challenge is not only dismantling the compounds but also convincing sceptics that the government is serious about tackling networks long suspected of enjoying political protection.

As Manet seeks international support, he faces the dual task of cleaning up an industry that has flourished for nearly a decade while navigating a fragile border conflict with Thailand. His message is clear: Cambodia must shed its reputation as a hub for cybercrime if it is to secure a stable and prosperous future.

-2026-02-26

When a gangland boss such as the son of Hun Sen denies that a crime has taken place, you can be 100% certain that the crime has taken place. The amount of illicit activities this man is involved in are countless, and his father made billions upon billions of dollars from dealing in heroin, running scam centers, illegal land grabs, political assassinations, the list goes on and on, and the level of corruption, malfeasance and criminality within this family is staggering.

Like so many of the world's leaders and politicians, if Hun Sen something didn't happen it definitely did. This is not an issue solely experienced in Cambodia of course. By a very long way.

of course they dont benefit Phnom Pehn as it makes Cambodia look like, ( if it walks like a duck, looks likes a duck, it most likely is a duck) a 3rd world country where corruption is normal

BUT they do Benefit many many rich friends of his and his dads