AKP Phnom Penh, October 08, 2025 -- Cambodia has expelled more than 15,000 foreign nationals for their involvement in online criminal operations over the past two years, a senior government official announced this morning.

The disclosure was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha during a workshop on combating online scams and money laundering.

The figure represents the Royal Government’s ongoing efforts to dismantle international cybercrime networks operating within its borders.

H.E. Aphi Santepundit Sar Sokha contextualised the recent crackdown by noting that the previous administration, under former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, had deported more than 21,000 foreigners linked to similar illicit activities.

“This reflects the Royal Government’s strong commitment in its current term to tackling online crimes,” Sokha stated, while emphasising the transnational nature of the threat.

He urged greater international cooperation, asserting that “the fight against cybercrime is not Cambodia’s responsibility alone.” He described modern cybercrime as having evolved significantly in scale and sophistication compared to five years ago.

“Cambodia is not a marketplace for criminal networks—the problem is global,” he affirmed. “Effective prevention requires joint efforts from all relevant parties.”

By K. Rithy Reak