Cambodian authorities dismantled 85 remaining small scale online scam locations and detained 1,255 suspects from 13 nationalities during nationwide enforcement operations in August, according to the Ministry of Interior and the General Commissariat of National Police. The crackdown also included thousands of administrative inspections, roadside checks and the deportation of more than 2,000 foreign nationals.
The latest figures show that authorities are continuing to target smaller and more dispersed scam operations following earlier nationwide action against large scale scam compounds. The Ministry of Interior published the August results on September 15.
Key Facts
| Category | August 2026 results |
|---|---|
| Online scam locations raided | 85 |
| Suspects detained | 1,255 |
| Nationalities among suspects | 13 |
| Foreign nationals deported | 2,005 |
| Nationalities deported | 32 |
| Scam linked deportees | 574 |
| Administrative locations inspected | 3,657 |
| People screened during inspections | 17,834 |
| Roadside checks | 269 |
| People screened at roadside checks | 2,763 |
| Administrative fines | 822.24 million riel |
| Approximate value of fines | US$205,560 |
1,255 Suspects Detained Across 85 Locations
According to the General Commissariat of National Police, authorities detained 1,255 suspects representing 13 nationalities during the month long August operation.
Chinese nationals made up the largest group, followed by Vietnamese and Cambodian nationals.
The breakdown was:
| Nationality | Suspects |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 732 |
| Vietnamese | 323 |
| Cambodian | 94 |
| Thai | 53 |
| Indonesian | 24 |
| Myanmar | 9 |
| Nepalese | 4 |
| Malaysian | 4 |
| Indian | 3 |
| Pakistani | 3 |
| Bangladeshi | 3 |
| South Korean | 2 |
| Lao | 1 |
| Total | 1,255 |
The figures refer to people detained during the enforcement operations. They do not by themselves establish that every person detained has been convicted of an offence.
More Than 2,000 Foreign Nationals Deported
During the same period, the General Department of Immigration processed the deportation of 2,005 foreign nationals from 32 nationalities, including 320 women, for statutory violations.
Of those deported, 574 people from 11 nationalities were identified as being involved in online scam activities, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Cambodian authorities also coordinated with the Chinese Embassy to arrange three special charter flights carrying 473 Chinese nationals.
Among those 473 people, 228 were identified as being involved in online scam operations.
The deportations demonstrate that immigration enforcement is being used alongside criminal investigations and administrative measures as part of the wider campaign.
Authorities Expand Inspections to Stop Scam Networks From Relocating
Authorities also conducted broader administrative inspections to prevent suspected criminal networks from moving to new locations.
During August, officials inspected 3,657 target locations and screened 17,834 people.
Authorities additionally carried out 269 roadside inspections involving 2,763 people in suspicious vehicles.
These measures are significant because Cambodia has previously reported that scam networks have shifted away from large compounds toward smaller, more dispersed locations.
In August, Cambodia said large scale scam compounds had been dismantled, while officials acknowledged that smaller operations could still operate from locations such as guesthouses, condominiums, rental properties and other facilities.
The August enforcement figures therefore show a continued focus on smaller operations rather than only large dedicated scam centres.
Property Owners Face More Than 822 Million Riel in Fines
Authorities also took administrative action against property owners and managers found violating Sub Decree No. 03.
The total fines reached 822.24 million riel, equivalent to approximately US$205,560.
The Ministry of Interior said the amount consisted of:
- 1.2 million riel, approximately US$400, under Article 19
- 821.04 million riel, approximately US$205,260, under Article 20
The Ministry said Sub Decree No. 03, promulgated on January 5, 2026, concerns safety and security management in concentrated residential areas.
The rules allow administrative penalties to be imposed on owners or managers who fail to meet specified responsibilities or who intentionally conceal or allow illegally present foreign nationals to stay on properties under their responsibility.
Cambodia's Anti Scam Campaign Continues
The August results follow a much broader national campaign.
On August 27, Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, head of the Secretariat of the Ad Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams, said authorities had investigated 793 suspected locations between July 2025 and August 20, 2026, with actual crackdowns carried out at 624 sites.
Nearly 30,000 suspects from 39 nationalities had been detained during that period, according to the government briefing.
The government also said no large scale online scam compounds remained in the country at that point, while noting that criminal networks had shifted toward more decentralised operations.
The latest August figures indicate that enforcement has continued after that announcement, with authorities focusing on smaller remaining operations.
What the Crackdown Means for Cambodia's Digital Economy?
Online scams have implications beyond law enforcement. The presence of organised cyber fraud networks can affect Cambodia's international reputation, tourism sector, property market and broader efforts to build a trusted digital economy.
The continued enforcement campaign therefore involves several layers, including police investigations, immigration controls, property management regulations, international cooperation and action against locations used by criminal networks.
For Cambodia's legitimate digital businesses and technology sector, maintaining confidence in the country's digital environment is increasingly important as electronic payments, e commerce and cross border digital services expand.
Angkor Times Analysis
The August figures point to a shift in the nature of Cambodia's anti scam campaign. Earlier operations focused heavily on large scam compounds, while the latest figures show authorities pursuing smaller and potentially more mobile operations.
The scale of administrative inspections is also notable. More than 3,600 locations and nearly 18,000 people were screened during August, suggesting that enforcement is extending beyond direct raids to monitoring the environments where criminal networks could potentially relocate.
At the same time, detention figures should be understood as enforcement results rather than proof of criminal guilt. The legal status and outcomes of individual cases will depend on subsequent investigations and judicial proceedings.
What Happens Next?
Cambodian authorities are expected to continue targeting online scam operations while increasing scrutiny of locations and property owners suspected of facilitating illegal activities.
The government's approach combines direct raids with immigration enforcement, administrative inspections, roadside checks and financial penalties for property related violations.
International cooperation is also likely to remain important, particularly when suspects and criminal networks involve multiple nationalities and jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many online scam locations were raided in August?
Cambodian authorities raided 85 remaining small scale online scam locations during August 2026.
How many suspects were detained?
Authorities detained 1,255 suspects from 13 nationalities during the August operations.
Which nationality accounted for the largest number of suspects?
Chinese nationals accounted for the largest group, with 732 suspects, followed by 323 Vietnamese nationals and 94 Cambodian nationals.
How many foreign nationals were deported?
The General Department of Immigration processed the deportation of 2,005 foreign nationals from 32 nationalities, including 320 women.
How many deportees were linked to online scams?
Authorities identified 574 deported individuals from 11 nationalities as being involved in online scam activities.
How much did authorities collect in fines?
Administrative fines totalled 822.24 million riel, approximately US$205,560.
Why are authorities inspecting residential properties?
The inspections are part of efforts to prevent criminal networks from relocating and to enforce regulations concerning concentrated residential areas and foreign residents.