PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has deported more than 48,000 foreign nationals linked to illicit online scam operations since the current Royal Government took office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, said on Tuesday, as the Kingdom ramps up efforts to shed its reputation as a hub for cybercrime.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of a nationwide campaign in support of the “Safer Internet Day” at the Royal University of Agriculture, Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha, who also serves as Head of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), disclosed that in addition to the formal deportations, more than 210,000 foreigners have departed the country voluntarily during the same period.
The mass exits come amid a sustained crackdown by the administration of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, who assumed office in 2023 and has pledged to “clean up” the fraudulent online operations that have proliferated across Southeast Asia.
To bolster enforcement, the Interior Ministry is weighing a new incentive programme to pay citizens for tips leading to the discovery of suspected scam compounds.
“Our police force is currently stretched thin,” he said, noting a ratio of one officer to every 3,100 citizens. “We cannot do this alone. We need local residents to be our ‘eyes and ears’ to help sweep these operations out of our country.”
The Minister acknowledged that while online scams are a long-standing global issue, the rapid evolution of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), has heightened Cambodia’s vulnerability.
Addressing the flip side of the crisis – Cambodian victims trafficked abroad – the Minister revealed that over 100 Cambodians are lured annually by false promises of high-paying jobs, primarily in China.
In response, the Royal Government is tightening exit requirements at airports. H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha instructed the General Department of Identification to scrutinise female travellers aged 18 to 35 who lack clear documentation, a verified sponsor, or sufficient funds.
“If someone claims they are travelling for tourism but has less than US$50, they should not be allowed to depart,” he said. “In a foreign country, US$50 barely covers a taxi fare, let alone accommodation and food. This is a clear red flag for potential trafficking.”
The Ministry reported a recent spike in the arrests of both foreign and local “brokers” operating at the village level. Authorities warned that without increased public awareness regarding the ethical and safe use of AI, the number of victims falling prey to sophisticated digital schemes is likely to rise.