Cambodia Ramps Up Raids on Scam Centers, Over 2,100 Arrests in Three Weeks
Cambodia has significantly escalated its operations against online scam centers in recent weeks, with over 2,137 suspects arrested across 43 locations since June 27, 2025. The intensified crackdown follows increased international pressure and a direct order from Prime Minister Hun Manet to law enforcement and the military to target these illegal operations.
Prime Minister's Directive Fuels Crackdown
Prime Minister Hun Manet's public directive on July 15, 2025, signaled a renewed commitment to eradicating online scams within Cambodia. The order warned of job losses for officials who failed to comply, emphasizing the seriousness with which the government is now treating the issue.
Mass Arrests Across Multiple Provinces
The raids, conducted in nine of Cambodia's 25 provinces, have resulted in the detention of numerous individuals from various countries. Specific figures include 429 Vietnamese, 271 Indonesians, 589 Chinese, 57 Koreans, 70 Bangladeshi, and 42 Pakistanis, along with suspects from Thailand, Laos, India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Myanmar.
Expanded Scope Beyond Known Hotspots
The crackdown has expanded beyond well-known scam center locations like Phnom Penh, Poipet, and Sihanoukville, reaching into provinces such as Kandal, Kratie, Pursat, and Stung Treng. This wider net indicates a more comprehensive effort to dismantle scam networks throughout the country.
Seized Equipment Underscores Scale of Operations
During the raids, authorities seized significant amounts of electronic equipment, including computers and hundreds of mobile phones, highlighting the scale and sophistication of these illicit operations.
Government Vows to Dismantle All Scam Networks
Information Minister Neth Pheaktra has stated that the crackdown is ongoing and the government is determined to "root out all illegal cybercrime activity — regardless of location or affiliation." This strong statement reflects the government's commitment to addressing the issue and improving Cambodia's international image.
Amnesty International Report Triggered Action
The recent surge in raids appears to be linked to a report released by Amnesty International on June 26, 2025, which accused the Cambodian government of "gross failure" to stop abuses in scam centers. The report detailed severe human rights violations, including slavery, human trafficking, child labor, and torture, seemingly spurring the government into action.
Key Dates in the Crackdown Timeline
Several key dates mark the progression of the crackdown:
- June 26, 2025: Amnesty International releases its critical report.
- June 27, 2025: The intensified wave of raids begins, leading to over 2,137 arrests by July 18, 2025.
- July 15, 2025: Prime Minister Hun Manet's directive to intensify the crackdown is made public.
- July 14-16, 2025: Over 1,000 arrests were made in a three-day period.
- July 18, 2025: Information Minister Neth Pheaktra provides updated arrest figures.
Southeast Asia: Ground Zero for Cyber Scams
The United Nations has labeled Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, as "ground zero" for cyber scam centers. These centers defraud people globally of an estimated $40 billion annually through romance and business cons. Organized criminal groups, often of Chinese origin, typically run these operations.
Human Trafficking and Forced Labor
Many individuals working in these scam centers are victims of human trafficking, lured under false pretenses and then held captive, subjected to forced labor, and, in some cases, torture and violence. Amnesty International's report highlighted cases of workers as young as 14 being subjected to electric-shock batons and other forms of abuse. The UN estimates that over 100,000 people are enslaved in Cambodia's scam centers.
International Pressure on Cambodian Government
The Cambodian government, under Prime Minister Hun Manet, faces significant international pressure to address the scam center issue and the associated human rights abuses. The current crackdown is seen as an attempt to improve Cambodia's international standing and address what it now deems a "national threat."
Criticism and Concerns Persist
Despite the crackdown, organizations like Amnesty International remain critical, accusing the Cambodian government of past inaction and potential complicity. Concerns persist about whether the focus is primarily on detaining trafficked workers rather than apprehending the "masterminds" behind these criminal networks. The identification and treatment of victims during the raids are also points of concern.
Strained Relations with Neighboring Countries
The scam center issue has strained relations with neighboring countries, particularly Thailand. Thailand's former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had previously described Cambodia's scam centers as "a hub of world-class criminality and a national threat," leading to border closures and other measures.
Foreign Nationals Predominantly Affected
The majority of those arrested and rescued in these raids are foreign nationals, underscoring the transnational nature of these criminal operations and their global reach in terms of both victims and recruitment.
