AKP Phnom Penh, May 15, 2026 --

In a decisive strike just weeks after Cambodia enacted its tough new cybercrime law, a joint task force has arrested 61 suspects during a raid targeting an online fraud and narcotics hub in the capital’s Khan Porsenchey.

Acting on direct orders from Phnom Penh Municipal Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng, authorities stormed the "Air Sig" condominium and the "Soho 85" hotel in Sangkat Choam Chao I on the afternoon of May 14. The operation was backed by high-ranking police, military police, and legal coordination from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

The breakdown of the 61 detainees (including six women): 42 individuals found to be residing illegally in the country without valid passports; 15 suspects arrested for possessing equipment specifically intended for online scamming operations; 4 individuals detained on drug consumption charges.

Evidence seized: 48 laptops; 468 mobile phones; 32 monitors & 10 CPUs; One tablet; A large quantity of foreign SIM cards.

All suspects and confiscated materials have been transferred to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Headquarters for interrogation and case preparation.

The raid is one of the major enforcement actions since Cambodia’s new Law on Combating Technology-Enabled Scams took effect on April 7, 2026. Under the updated regulations, tech-fraud perpetrators face stringent penalties, including potential life imprisonment, fines up to 1 billion Ruel (about US$250,000), and total seizure of assets.

By K. Rithy Reak