PHNOM PENH: Cambodian authorities have detained 27 foreign nationals in a large-scale overnight raid on a suspected online scam operation in the capital, officials said Tuesday.
The operation, carried out late on April 6, targeted multiple properties inside a residential compound in Khan Sen Sok. Police arrested 26 Chinese nationals, including one woman, and one Malaysian, bringing the total number of suspects to 27.
During the raid, officers seized a substantial quantity of equipment allegedly used to facilitate cyber fraud, including 227 mobile phones, 22 laptop computers, 19 computer monitors and three desktop computers.
The crackdown was conducted under the direction of Phnom Penh Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng and Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Chuon Narin, with coordination from local authorities and prosecutors at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects used Cambodia as a base to conduct online scams, primarily involving fraudulent e-commerce schemes and investment lures designed to deceive victims.
All suspects and seized evidence have been transferred to the relevant police unit for further legal action, while authorities continue to investigate and identify additional accomplices.
Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has reiterated that Cambodia will not serve as a haven for cybercriminals, warning that individuals or entities involved in such activities will face the full extent of the law without exception. He added that ongoing enforcement measures aim to eliminate online scam operations in the country by this April.