Cambodia deported 540 foreign nationals from 22 countries and territories between October 21 and 31, 2026, as authorities continued operations targeting illegal immigration and transnational crime. According to the General Department of Immigration, the deportations were carried out through Techo International Airport and included individuals linked by authorities to online scam operations, as well as cases involving immigration violations, document forgery, drug trafficking, illegal employment and kidnapping for ransom.
Key Facts
Total deported: 540 foreign nationals.
Period: October 21–31, 2026.
Nationalities represented: 22 countries and territories.
Deportation point: Techo International Airport.
Indonesian nationals: 144.
Vietnamese nationals: 36, including 12 women.
Reported offences: Online scam operations, illegal entry, visa and document forgery, drug trafficking, illegal employment and kidnapping for ransom.
Reporting authority: General Department of Immigration.
540 Foreign Nationals Deported During 11-Day Operation
The General Department of Immigration announced that 540 foreign nationals were deported during an 11-day period from October 21 to 31.
The deportations took place through Techo International Airport as part of ongoing enforcement operations against illegal immigration and transnational criminal activities.
Among those deported were 144 Indonesian nationals and 36 Vietnamese nationals, including 12 women. Authorities said these individuals were involved in online scam operations.
The deportees came from 22 countries and territories, including China, the Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and India.
Authorities Cite Multiple Immigration and Criminal Offences
According to the immigration department, the cases involved a range of alleged or identified violations beyond online scam activities.
These included:
Illegal entry into Cambodia
Visa and document forgery
Drug trafficking
Illegal employment
Kidnapping for ransom
Involvement in online scam operations
The reported figures demonstrate the range of enforcement issues being addressed through the immigration crackdown.
However, the announcement does not provide a detailed breakdown of the 540 deportees by offence, nationality or individual case outcome. Deportation figures should therefore not be interpreted as evidence that every individual was convicted of a criminal offence.
Cambodia Continues Operations Against Online Scam Networks
Cambodian authorities said operations are continuing to dismantle criminal syndicates, eliminate technology-related crimes and rescue people allegedly held against their will in scam compounds.
The crackdown follows directives from Prime Minister Hun Manet, who has repeatedly stated that Cambodia will not tolerate illegal immigration or allow its territory to be used as a base for criminal networks threatening regional security.
Immigration officials have pledged to continue enforcement operations and deportations without exception, citing national security and the country's international reputation.
The measures form part of wider efforts to address online fraud and other transnational criminal activities operating across national borders.
International Dimension of the Crackdown
The involvement of nationals from 22 countries and territories highlights the international dimension of the immigration and criminal investigations.
The presence of foreign nationals from countries across Asia, Europe and other regions also underscores the importance of cooperation between Cambodian authorities and foreign governments in addressing cross-border criminal networks.
Such cooperation can support the identification of victims, information-sharing, immigration enforcement and the investigation of suspected criminal organisations.
The latest deportations represent one reported enforcement operation within Cambodia's broader campaign. The announcement does not specify how many people were rescued, how many suspects remain under investigation or how many criminal cases have resulted in court convictions.
Angkor Times Analysis: Enforcement Must Be Matched by Victim Protection and Legal Accountability
The deportation of 540 foreign nationals demonstrates the scale of immigration enforcement reported by Cambodian authorities during the 11-day period.
However, the effectiveness of the wider crackdown should not be measured by deportation numbers alone.
Online scam operations often involve complex networks that can include organisers, recruiters, financial operators, technical personnel and individuals who may themselves have been trafficked or coerced into working in illegal compounds.
Distinguishing suspected offenders from potential victims is therefore essential. People who have been trafficked or forced to participate in criminal activities require identification, protection and appropriate assistance, while those responsible for organising and financing criminal networks should be investigated through the legal system.
Three areas will be particularly important:
First, stronger cross-border cooperation. Criminal networks operating across multiple countries require coordinated investigations, information-sharing and cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
Second, victim identification and protection. Authorities need effective procedures to identify people who may have been deceived, trafficked or forced to work in scam operations, ensuring that deportation processes do not overlook their protection needs.
Third, transparent enforcement reporting. Publishing clearer breakdowns of arrests, investigations, prosecutions, convictions, rescues and deportations would help the public understand the progress and outcomes of the campaign.
Cambodia's continued efforts to address online scams and illegal immigration will depend on sustained enforcement, due process and effective protection for people affected by transnational crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many foreign nationals did Cambodia deport?
Cambodia deported 540 foreign nationals from 22 countries and territories between October 21 and 31, 2026.
2. Where were the deportations carried out?
The deportations took place through Techo International Airport.
3. Which nationalities accounted for the largest reported groups?
The announcement identified 144 Indonesian nationals and 36 Vietnamese nationals, including 12 women.
4. What offences were associated with the deportees?
Authorities cited online scam operations, illegal entry, visa and document forgery, drug trafficking, illegal employment and kidnapping for ransom.
5. Is every deported person confirmed to have been convicted of a crime?
No. The announcement does not establish that every deportee was convicted. Deportation may involve immigration violations and does not by itself demonstrate a criminal conviction.
6. Is Cambodia continuing its crackdown on online scam operations?
Yes. The General Department of Immigration said operations are continuing to dismantle criminal networks, address technology-related crimes and rescue people trapped in scam compounds.
7. Which government agency announced the deportations?
The figures were announced by Cambodia's General Department of Immigration.