More Than 100 Thai and Vietnamese Nationals Detained After Poipet Online Fraud Raids

Terry Felix On May 18, 2026 - 10:02 am In Asia Pacific 1mn Read

POIPET, Cambodia, May 18, 2026 — Cambodian authorities detained more than 130 foreign nationals, including Vietnamese and Thai citizens, during raids on two suspected online scam compounds in the border city of Poipet on Sunday, officials said.

The operation was carried out by mixed forces from the provincial gendarmerie, provincial police and national police under the supervision of local authorities and prosecutors in Banteay Meanchey Province.

According to officials, authorities surrounded and searched two multi-storey buildings suspected of involvement in online fraud activities.

At the first location, a four-storey building in O’Chrov commune, authorities detained 101 Vietnamese nationals, including 38 women.

At a second five-storey building nearby, officers detained 34 Thai nationals, including 17 women.

Officials said no online scam equipment or related evidence was immediately found during the searches, though investigations were continuing.

The crackdown follows directives from Prime Minister Hun Manet ordering intensified action against online scam operations and transnational cybercrime networks.

Cambodian authorities have conducted repeated raids in Poipet and other border areas in recent months as regional governments increase pressure on scam compounds linked to online fraud, human trafficking and illegal gambling operations across Southeast Asia.

Poipet, located along Cambodia’s border with Thailand, has become a major focus of anti-scam operations because of its concentration of casinos, entertainment complexes and cross-border business activity.

Authorities did not immediately announce charges against those detained or specify whether deportation proceedings would follow.