Cambodia Detains 262 in Scam Raid, Including 58 Thai Nationals
Cambodia Detains 262 in Scam Raid, Including 58 Thai Nationals
MONDULKIRI, April 14 2026 — Cambodian authorities have detained 262 foreign nationals in a large-scale raid on an alleged online scam operation in the northeastern province of Mondulkiri, officials said.
The operation, carried out on April 10 in Sen Monorom city, targeted a commercial building suspected of hosting cyber fraud activities, according to a statement from provincial authorities.
Those detained included nationals from nine countries, with the largest groups from China and Thailand. Authorities said 58 Thai nationals were among those held, along with individuals from India, Myanmar, Nepal and several other countries.
Police also seized a large quantity of equipment, including around 420 desktop computers and 1,450 mobile phones, believed to have been used in the operation.
Investigators said the group allegedly used technology to target victims abroad, including scams involving fake online sales aimed at Thailand and cryptocurrency investment fraud targeting the United States.
Some detainees told authorities they had been lured into Cambodia with promises of high-paying jobs, only to be forced into online scam operations after entering the country, in some cases illegally.
Officials said three suspected ringleaders — two Chinese nationals and one from Myanmar — have been referred to court, while the remaining detainees are being processed for deportation by immigration authorities.
Authorities are continuing to search for the owner of the premises, who remains at large, and are conducting forensic analysis of seized devices to identify wider networks.
The crackdown comes shortly after Cambodia enacted a new law targeting online scam operations, introducing tougher penalties including long-term imprisonment and asset confiscation.
Officials have urged individuals involved in scam activities to cooperate with authorities and called on property owners not to lease buildings to criminal networks.
The raid is part of a broader nationwide effort to dismantle cyber scam operations and strengthen law enforcement against transnational crime.
