Cambodian authorities have deported 635 Thai nationals linked to illegal online operations, following a major raid in Poipet that exposed the scale of cross‑border crime networks.

Officials confirmed the deportations were processed through the Poipet International Border Checkpoint on Thursday, after legal procedures were completed in coordination with Thai authorities. Another 30 suspects remain in custody and face further proceedings.

Raid uncovers scam hub

The operation stemmed from an April 25 raid on a condominium complex in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province. A joint task force seized thousands of devices — including nearly 4,700 mobile phones and more than 400 computer monitors — believed to have been used in online gambling and scam operations. Investigators found multiple websites targeting Thai users, highlighting the cross‑border nature of the schemes.

Security forces reported that many foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, attempted to flee during the raid. Warning shots were fired to prevent escapes.

A regional crime industry

Cambodia has become a hub for transnational scam syndicates, running fake romance and cryptocurrency investment schemes that defraud victims worldwide. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime estimates the global cyberscam industry now generates revenues of up to $64 billion annually.

Authorities say more than 13,000 foreign nationals have been detained and deported from Cambodia since early last year. Between January and April alone, some 240,000 people accused of scam involvement “voluntarily departed” the country.

International pressure

The crackdown comes just days after the United States sanctioned Cambodian senator and businessman Kok An, accusing him of controlling scam compounds through his Crown Resorts empire. Washington alleged his properties in Poipet had been converted into fortified centres for digital fraud.

Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said the latest deportations were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks. “635 Thai nationals involved in illegal online business operations and transnational criminal networks were deported to Thailand,” he told AFP.

Outlook

While the mass deportation underscores Phnom Penh’s determination to show action, rights groups remain sceptical, accusing officials of complicity in the scam trade. For now, the crackdown highlights both the scale of the problem and the difficulty of dismantling entrenched networks that thrive on cross‑border vulnerabilities.

-2026-05-01

So Thailand, get your own house in order before pointing fingers at your neighbours!!

Just now, Burma Bill said:

So Thailand, get your own house in order before pointing fingers at your neighbours!!

Indeed, Thailand sits smack in the center of all those scam facilities in neighboring countries, and a lot of the trafficking is routed through Thailand with the collusion of corrupt officials. Then on top of all that, you have news stories like this one, that show active involvement of Thais in the scam operations themselves.

It's good to see we have patriotic Cambodian expats here 😂

Edited May 2May 2 by SAFETY FIRST