Cambodia has defended its efforts to combat online scam operations, reporting that authorities have taken control of 86 major scam compounds as part of a nationwide crackdown on suspected criminal locations. According to figures released by Cambodia's Embassy in Japan, authorities inspected 832 suspected locations between July 2025 and August 31, 2026, while enforcement operations were conducted at 663 sites.
The statement was issued following a Nikkei Asia report referencing an Amnesty International investigation that alleged links between private security companies and scam centres in Cambodia. The embassy highlighted law enforcement operations, financial investigations, regulatory measures and international cooperation as evidence of the government's efforts to address transnational organised crime.
Key Facts
Suspected locations inspected: 832
Sites subject to enforcement operations: 663
Major scam compounds taken under control: 86
Period covered: July 2025–August 31, 2026
Criminal cases referred to courts: 446
Suspects involved in court-referred cases: 3,927
Bank funds frozen: More than US$300 million suspected of being linked to online scam activities
Casinos subject to regulatory action: 27
Public officials and law enforcement personnel investigated: 15 across four cases
Police officers facing disciplinary measures: 77, according to a September 2026 Interior Ministry report cited by the embassy
Cambodia Responds to International Reporting on Scam Centres
Cambodia's Embassy in Japan issued a statement outlining the government's actions against online scams and other forms of transnational organised crime.
The response followed a Nikkei Asia report that referenced an Amnesty International investigation alleging connections between private security companies and scam centres operating in Cambodia.
The embassy emphasised that the government had intensified law enforcement operations, investigations and cooperation with international partners.
It also called for objective, balanced and fact-based reporting on Cambodia's efforts to combat online scams.
Authorities Inspected 832 Suspected Locations and Took Control of 86 Major Compounds
According to the embassy's figures, Cambodian authorities inspected 832 suspected locations between July 2025 and August 31, 2026.
Enforcement operations were conducted at 663 sites during the same period, including the taking of control of 86 major scam compounds.
These figures indicate the scale of the government's reported operations against suspected online scam facilities.
However, the statement does not provide a detailed breakdown of the 663 enforcement sites, the operational status of all 86 compounds or the number of facilities that have been permanently dismantled.
More Than 3,900 Suspects Referred to Courts
The embassy said authorities referred 446 criminal cases involving 3,927 suspects to the courts during the reporting period.
The figures form part of the government's wider efforts to pursue individuals suspected of involvement in online scam activities.
The embassy also said authorities had frozen bank accounts holding more than US$300 million in funds suspected of being connected to online scams.
The amount represents funds frozen on suspicion of links to criminal activity; the statement does not establish that all the money has been confirmed as criminal proceeds or confiscated.
27 Casinos Face Regulatory Action
Cambodia's embassy also reported regulatory action involving 27 casinos.
The measures included licence revocations and suspensions as part of efforts to address venues and businesses suspected of links to online scam operations.
The statement did not specify how many licences were revoked, how many were suspended or the names of the affected casinos.
Investigations Target Public Officials and Police Personnel
The embassy said authorities had pursued four cases involving 15 public officials and law enforcement personnel accused of links to online scam activities.
It also cited a September 2026 report from the Ministry of Interior stating that disciplinary measures had been taken against 77 police officers in connection with online scam cases.
These actions indicate that the government's response has included scrutiny of public officials and law enforcement personnel, rather than focusing exclusively on suspected private-sector operators.
The statement did not provide details of the individual cases, the specific disciplinary measures or the final legal outcomes involving those officials and officers.
Government Strengthens Legal Mechanisms and Investigations
The embassy said the government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet had strengthened legal and institutional mechanisms to combat online scams.
Measures highlighted in the statement included:
Establishing a commission to combat online scams.
Intensifying investigations into criminal networks.
Pursuing organisers and individuals suspected of operating scam activities.
Disrupting illicit financial flows.
Protecting victims of human trafficking.
Improving coordination among relevant government agencies.
The embassy also stressed the importance of accountability and the rule of law, saying allegations of misconduct were investigated through legal procedures and assessed on the basis of evidence.
Cambodia Highlights International Cooperation Against Online Scams
Cambodia also pointed to its cooperation with international partners as a key part of its response.
One example cited was the International Conference on Combating Online Scams, hosted in Phnom Penh on September 23–24, 2026.
The conference focused on information-sharing, coordinated law enforcement operations and victim protection.
The embassy reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Japan and other international partners to tackle online scams and transnational criminal networks.
Angkor Times Analysis: Enforcement Figures Must Be Matched by Transparency and Accountability
The figures presented by Cambodia's Embassy in Japan provide an indication of the scale of the government's reported enforcement campaign. The inspection of 832 suspected locations, operations at 663 sites and the taking of control of 86 major scam compounds demonstrate a substantial level of reported activity.
However, the effectiveness of an anti-scam campaign cannot be assessed through enforcement numbers alone.
Three areas will be particularly important in evaluating progress.
First, dismantling criminal networks rather than only closing facilities. Taking control of suspected compounds is an important enforcement step, but authorities must also identify organisers, financial beneficiaries and cross-border networks to prevent criminal operations from relocating or restarting.
Second, transparent investigations and accountability. The reported cases involving public officials and police officers are significant. Public confidence will depend on clear information about investigations, disciplinary decisions, prosecutions and final legal outcomes.
Third, financial investigations and victim protection. Freezing more than US$300 million in suspected scam-linked funds represents a major reported financial intervention. Further transparency about the legal status of frozen assets, financial investigations and the recovery of victims' money would help demonstrate the results of enforcement efforts. Protection and assistance for people subjected to human trafficking and forced criminal activity must also remain central.
Cambodia's international credibility will depend not only on the number of operations conducted, but also on whether criminal networks are dismantled, perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive meaningful protection.
The embassy's statement presents the government's position in response to international scrutiny. The allegations cited in the Nikkei Asia report and Amnesty International investigation should be distinguished from the government's reported enforcement figures. Independent verification and transparent publication of case outcomes will be important to assessing the overall effectiveness of the crackdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many online scam compounds has Cambodia taken control of?
Cambodia's Embassy in Japan reported that authorities had taken control of 86 major scam compounds between July 2025 and August 31, 2026.
How many suspected scam locations were inspected?
Authorities inspected 832 suspected locations and conducted enforcement operations at 663 sites during the reporting period.
How many suspects were referred to the courts?
The embassy reported 446 criminal cases involving 3,927 suspects referred to the courts.
How much money has Cambodia frozen in suspected scam-related accounts?
The embassy said authorities froze bank accounts holding more than US$300 million in funds suspected of being linked to online scam activities.
How many casinos faced regulatory action?
A total of 27 casinos were subject to regulatory measures, including licence revocations and suspensions.
Have public officials and police officers been investigated?
Yes. The embassy reported four cases involving 15 public officials and law enforcement personnel accused of links to online scam activities. It also cited disciplinary measures against 77 police officers.
What international cooperation has Cambodia undertaken?
Cambodia highlighted cooperation with foreign law enforcement partners and its hosting of the International Conference on Combating Online Scams in Phnom Penh on September 23–24, 2026.
What prompted the Cambodian Embassy's statement?
The statement responded to international reporting, including a Nikkei Asia report referencing an Amnesty International investigation alleging links between private security companies and scam centres in Cambodia.