AKP Phnom Penh, August 31, 2026 --

Cambodian authorities have arrested 34 suspects and seized hundreds of electronic devices in a two-day crackdown on a suspected online scam operation in Koh Kong province, as authorities continue efforts to eliminate smaller, decentralised scam activities across the country.

According to a report received by the Secretariat of the Ad-Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS), law enforcement in Kiri Sakor district conducted operations at suspected online scam locations in Peam Kay village, Koh Sdach commune, on Aug. 29 and 30.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 34 suspects, including 33 Chinese nationals and one Cambodian woman. Authorities also seized 746 mobile phones, 33 laptops, 34 desktop or all-in-one computers, two CPUs and two monitors.

The suspects and seized evidence have been sent to the Koh Kong Provincial Police Commissariat for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, on Aug. 27, authorities in Phnom Penh's Chamkar Mon district inspected a suspected location involved in the illegal import of tax-evaded goods on Samdech Sothearos Boulevard. They seized approximately 3,000 mobile phones packed in 42 boxes, along with 211 all-in-one computers, 16 laptops, 16 CPUs and nine monitors.

The latest operations demonstrate that online scam activities are increasingly shifting from large compounds to smaller and more dispersed locations, including rental rooms, guesthouses, condominiums, houses, vehicles and coffee shops.

The CCOS has therefore called on the public and relevant parties to provide timely information on suspected online scam locations to enable authorities to respond quickly.

According to Senior Minister H.E. Chhay Sinarith, Head of the CCOS Secretariat, Cambodia currently has no remaining large-scale online scam compounds. He said 86 major scam locations previously identified by Cambodian authorities have been cracked down on, brought under control and placed under measures aimed at confiscating them as state property in accordance with the law.

He made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Aug. 27.

H.E. Chhay Sinarith stressed that masterminds, accomplices and others involved in online scam offences would face legal action and punishment without exception.

Despite the dismantling of major scam compounds, authorities said criminal networks continue to adapt their methods by conducting smaller-scale and more concealed operations. Cambodian law enforcement is therefore continuing investigations and crackdowns, while the government is strengthening public awareness and cooperation with international partners.

The government has also called on the public to remain highly vigilant against evolving forms of online scams and encouraged citizens to report suspected activities to the relevant authorities.

Cambodia has further reaffirmed its openness to cooperation with countries, international organisations and other stakeholders in combating online scams. Authorities have urged foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations to share information about suspected scam locations so that Cambodian law enforcement agencies can intervene promptly.

These efforts, the CCOS said, are aimed at strengthening law enforcement, enhancing international cooperation and demonstrating the government's firm political will to eliminate online scam-related crimes from Cambodia and prevent the country from becoming a haven or victim of transnational criminal groups.

By C. Nika