Cambodian police have detained hundreds of foreign nationals in a major crackdown on online scams centred on a Sihanoukville casino, underscoring the scale of the country’s battle against transnational fraud.

The raid, carried out on Saturday at the Jin Yu Men Tang Casino in Preah Sihanouk city, was led by provincial police and military units under the command of General Sar Thet, Commissioner‑General of the National Police. Officers surrounded the building after suspects attempted to flee, eventually detaining several hundred individuals along with evidence of scam operations.

Authorities confirmed that around 400 foreigners have already been transferred to the General Department of Immigration for legal proceedings, while more remain in custody for questioning.

The operation forms part of a wider campaign against online fraud networks that have proliferated across Cambodia. According to the Ministry of Interior, 5,535 people from 30 different nationalities were arrested nationwide in April alone. The majority were Chinese nationals, but significant numbers of Thais, Vietnamese, Bangladeshis and others were also among those detained.

Raids have been conducted at 48 locations across the country, including Phnom Penh, Banteay Meanchey, Svay Rieng and Preah Sihanouk provinces. Smaller operations have taken place in Kampot, Siem Reap and Mondulkiri, reflecting the breadth of the crackdown.

Sihanoukville, once known for its booming casino industry, has become a focal point for scam compounds in recent years. Foreign workers are often lured with promises of high salaries, only to find themselves trapped in fraudulent call centres targeting victims abroad.

Officials say the latest raid demonstrates a coordinated effort between police, military and judicial authorities to dismantle these networks. For Cambodia, the challenge is not only law enforcement but also managing the humanitarian fallout, as thousands of foreign nationals face deportation or prosecution.

The arrests highlight the international dimension of the scam industry, with victims and perpetrators spanning continents. As Cambodia intensifies its campaign, the question remains whether such large‑scale raids can permanently disrupt the entrenched criminal operations that have taken root in the country’s coastal provinces.

-2026-05-11

On 5/11/2026 at 10:01 AM, geovalin said:

he majority were Chinese nationals, but significant numbers of Thais,

Scamming their own citizens across the border?? Anutin take note!!