PHNOM PENH: Cambodian authorities have arrested 10 South Korean nationals in two separate raids in Phnom Penh linked to alleged online scam operations targeting overseas victims, officials said on Thursday.
A joint task force under the Phnom Penh Unified Command conducted coordinated operations at two suspected scam locations – one in Khan Sen Sok and another in Khan Russey Keo – following investigations into fraudulent activities conducted through online gambling platforms.
Five of the suspects were detained on Mar. 3 at a residence in Borey Vimean Phnom Penh in Khan Russey Keo. The remaining five were arrested a day earlier at two houses in Borey Piphop Thmey in Khan Sen Sok. Authorities said the suspects are believed to be part of the same network.
During the raids, officials seized evidence including US$19,700 in cash, eight CPU units, 18 computer monitors, three laptop computers, four mobile phones and six passports.
The operation was carried out under the direction of Phnom Penh Municipal Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng, with participation from the Phnom Penh Municipal Police, the Royal Gendarmerie and local authorities. Prosecutors from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court also coordinated the legal procedures.
Preliminary investigations indicate the group operated websites used to promote illegal online gambling activities, allegedly targeting customers in South Korea and other countries while using Cambodia as a base for the operation.
Authorities identified one suspect, Kim Changhan, as the alleged ringleader. He is reportedly subject to an arrest warrant in South Korea related to the operation of illegal gambling websites. South Korean consular officials and a police liaison officer have requested Cambodian authorities to deport the suspects to face legal proceedings in their home country.
In a separate crackdown on Mar. 1, Cambodian authorities arrested 24 suspects in Phnom Penh’s Khan Chamkar Mon in connection with technology-enabled fraud.
Those detained included six Chinese nationals at The Peak Tower 2, six Indonesians at The Bridge building, and 12 Indonesians at Noden Hotel and Apartment.
Officials said investigations into the cases are ongoing in accordance with Cambodian law.
Speaking at the opening of the ASEAN-Cambodia Business Summit 2026 on Mar. 4, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to eliminate cyber scam operations in the country by April 2026 to strengthen the investment climate.
“Cambodia is not a place for cybercriminals engaged in fraud or transnational crime,” he said. “Anyone behind such activities will face the maximum penalties under the law without exception.”