In a massive crackdown, Cambodian authorities arrested more than 1,000 individuals between July 14 and 16 as part of a national operation targeting cyber scam networks. The raids, carried out across Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kratie, Pursat, and Poipet, followed an urgent directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet, who warned police officials of job losses if they failed to act.

Authorities seized mobile phones, laptops, and other digital equipment from scam facilities ranging from small apartments to sprawling multi-building compounds. The detainees included over 200 Vietnamese nationals, 270 Indonesians, 85 Cambodians, and smaller groups from China, Thailand, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

These Cyber Scam centers often run by Chinese syndicates recruit victims through fake job offers, then force them into running elaborate romance and investment scams. A 2024 UN report estimated over 100,000 people are held against their will in such compounds across Southeast Asia, generating more than $40 billion annually in illicit revenue.

Amnesty International recently accused Cambodian authorities of allowing human trafficking and torture to flourish, citing conditions akin to modern-day slavery. Despite these allegations, the Cambodian government insists it is taking aggressive action to dismantle the scam networks.

Thai Authorities Target Cambodian Senator’s Family for Cyber Scam

While Cambodia tackled its domestic problem, neighboring Thailand intensified cross-border efforts. Thai police recently raided 19 properties connected to powerful Cambodian senator and businessman Kok An, seizing assets worth more than $33 million. Authorities believe Kok An’s family is deeply involved in cybercrime operations centered in Poipet.

Warrants have been issued for Kok An’s children—Juree Khlongkijjakol, Phu Chelin, and Kittisak—on allegations tied to scam activity and money laundering. Thailand has requested an Interpol Red Notice for Kok An, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

In response, Cambodia’s Senate President and former Prime Minister Hun Sen pushed back, accusing Thailand of deflecting blame and ignoring its own role in enabling scam operations. He alleged Thailand had become a hub for criminal syndicates, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

Regional Tensions and Global Scrutiny Mount

The fallout has intensified regional pressure to act decisively. In a separate case last year, the U.S. sanctioned Cambodian tycoon Ly Yong Phat, a close associate of Hun Sen, over alleged forced labor and cybercrime connections. This followed a wave of international criticism over Cambodia’s failure to prevent human rights abuses in scam compounds.

Thailand, meanwhile, has shut several border crossings, halted fuel and electricity exports to Cambodia, and begun tracking financial intermediaries linked to scam operations. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stressed the need to prevent more citizens from falling victim to transnational fraud.

Despite these efforts, concerns remain that local collusion and corruption may continue to undermine progress. Human rights advocates argue that only systemic reforms, along with regional cooperation, can effectively dismantle the sprawling networks responsible for modern digital slavery.

Sources:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/16/more-than-1000-arrested-in-cambodian-cyber-scam-raids

https://therecord.media/thailand-goes-after-cambodian-tycoon-cyber-scams