Amnesty: Scam Compounds Evade Cambodia Crackdown

Cambodia’s much‑publicised crackdown on scamming compounds has left thousands of trafficking victims without protection or support, Amnesty International warned in a report released today.

The 150‑page study, Falling Through the Cracks: Cambodia’s “Crackdown” on Scamming Compounds, paints a stark picture of abuse and impunity. Amnesty says more than 70 per cent of identified compounds were bypassed, while others simply relocated to avoid raids. Survivors described rape, torture and forced labour inside prison‑like facilities run by organised crime groups.

Montse Ferrer, Amnesty’s Co‑Regional Director, accused the government of “carefully managing the optics” of its campaign while failing to dismantle networks or assist victims.

“Behind every headline about a raid are survivors of slavery, torture and rape left with almost no support,” she said.

The report draws on testimony from 73 survivors across 16 countries, many of whom were never recognised as victims of trafficking. Instead, some were detained in immigration centres or left sleeping on the streets. Others said police threatened or extorted them.

Accounts of collusion between police and compound managers are particularly damning.

Survivors told Amnesty that officers visited sites in Prey Veng to remove bodies or drink coffee with managers, yet made no arrests. In several cases, managers were tipped off about impending raids and moved victims elsewhere.

Sexual violence was also widespread. Six women described being raped, with two pregnancies resulting. One survivor from Brazil said she was offered as a “present” to successful scammers, later beaten with a baseball bat when her father contacted police.

The crackdown, launched in July 2025, followed international pressure and led to some high‑profile arrests. Authorities claim more than 200 centres were closed. But Amnesty’s findings suggest interventions occurred at only 24 of 86 compounds identified, undermined by corruption and lack of transparency.

The organisation also highlighted links between scam compounds and casinos, some of which received state approval despite the crackdown. Amnesty argues this shows systemic failures and calls for thorough investigations into all sites and businesses involved.

“The unavoidable conclusion is that many of the people behind the most abusive compounds have not been brought to justice,” Ferrer said. She urged Cambodia to properly identify trafficking victims, provide assistance, and ensure perpetrators face accountability.

Amnesty also called on the international community to maintain pressure and increase funding for survivor support, warning that without sustained action, the suffering inside Cambodia’s scam compounds will continue.

-2026-06-09