Cambodia has arrested more than 3,000 individuals, including over 1,600 foreign nationals, during a nationwide operation targeting cyber-related offences. The month-long crackdown took place between June 27 and July 22, covering 17 provinces and the capital Phnom Penh, according to Khmer Times, a Cambodia-based news outlet.
A total of 105 Indian nationals were among those detained and are currently under investigation for their suspected involvement in online scam operations. According to the Khmer Times, the arrests were part of a month-long nationwide crackdown on cyber-related crimes.
In total, 3,075 individuals, including 606 women, were arrested during the crackdown, according to the Khmer Times, citing the National Committee for Countering Technology Crimes (NCTC). In addition to Indian nationals, those detained include 1,028 Chinese, 693 Vietnamese, 339 Indonesians, and 101 Bangladeshis. Others were from Thailand, South Korea, Pakistan, Nepal, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Cameroon, Nigeria, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Mongolia, Russia, and Myanmar, demonstrating the suspected fraud networks' international reach.
According to reports, Cambodian authorities carried out coordinated raids at 138 locations across the country. The seizures included computers, mobile phones, firearms, suspected narcotics, digital equipment, and uniforms resembling those of Chinese police. In some instances, officials also reportedly uncovered evidence pointing to overlapping illegal operations.
In Phnom Penh, 11 suspected ringleaders faced court proceedings, with eight held in detention before trial. Separately, 17 Chinese nationals were transferred to a repatriation centre in Preah Sihanouk province.
Authorities have called the crackdown one of the country’s largest and reiterated their commitment to combating organised cybercrime. Investigations are ongoing.
The large-scale crackdown demonstrates the growing reach of online scams, which frequently span multiple countries and involve people from various nations. With cybercrimes on the rise, it is now essential for authorities to collaborate internationally to monitor activities and enforce laws effectively.
