Cambodia Claims Scam Compounds Eradicated, Skepticism Remains

Cambodia has declared a significant victory in its fight against cybercrime, asserting that all large-scale scam compounds have been eradicated from the country. Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith informed international officials on Thursday that "large-scale scam activities have been brought fully under control, and there are currently no online scam compounds remaining in the country."

This achievement, according to a government statement released Friday, follows extensive legal actions against perpetrators and the establishment of a cybersecurity framework. However, criminal groups have reportedly adapted by decentralizing their operations, utilizing guesthouses, condominiums, rental homes, vehicles, and coffee shops.

Despite the government's claims, organizations like Amnesty International and independent anti-trafficking consultants have voiced strong skepticism. They question the effective elimination of the scamming industry and highlight credible indicators that operations continue, along with the ongoing recruitment of foreign workers for illicit activities.

Between July 2025 and August 20, 2026, Cambodian law enforcement investigated nearly 800 suspected locations, raiding over 600 and detaining approximately 30,000 suspects from 39 nationalities. Authorities reported rescuing and deporting 58,266 foreign nationals, while 3,477 suspects from 29 nationalities were arrested and are awaiting trial.