Hun Manet inspects Koh Kong former scam sites
Prime Minister Hun Manet (2-R) visits a former scam centre in Koh Kong province on Saturday. Ministry of Information
Synopsis: Prime Minister visits the scam hotspots that have been shut down to review progress on the national cyber fraud crackdown and ensure illegal operations do not re-emerge.
Prime Minister Hun Manet on Saturday inspected locations in Koh Kong province previously used for online scam activities, instructing authorities to continue dismantling criminal networks.
A statement issued yesterday by the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) said Manet inspected sites linked to technology-based scam offences following law enforcement operations under the national campaign.
The inspection focused on former scam hotspots, particularly the Dara Sakor development area and several other suspected locations in Koh Kong province that had been used by criminal groups as bases for cross-border operations.
According to the commission, all illegal operations at the sites have been shut down by authorities. Major scam compounds and smaller network locations have been raided, technology equipment confiscated, and the sites closed. Authorities have also begun confiscating assets.
Security measures and 24-hour monitoring have been put in place to prevent scam operations from being secretly re-established. The measures are intended to restore confidence in Koh Kong’s investment environment, support legitimate businesses and tourism, and promote economic development for local communities.
The CCOS said the nationwide crackdown on technology-based scam crimes has been conducted throughout 2026. Although numerous suspected locations have been raided and closed, authorities continue to investigate and search suspected sites.
The crackdown on what Mr Hun Manet described as the “black economy” remains a priority, with authorities using measures to dismantle criminal networks.
According to an operational report covering July 2025 to August 31, 2026, law enforcement forces in Phnom Penh and all 24 provinces have raided 663 locations. Of these, 86 major scam compounds have been closed and placed under government control pending confiscation.
During the 14-month operation, authorities froze more than $300 million in bank accounts, along with other assets subject to freezing and valuation procedures.
Meanwhile, ringleaders and members of foreign criminal networks have been arrested and prosecuted. A total of 446 cases are currently before the courts, involving 3,927 suspects from 29 nationalities.
Legal action has also been taken against officials allegedly involved in four cases involving 15 suspects. Those facing action include deputy prosecutors, a deputy director-general of immigration, a deputy chief of Phnom Penh Municipal Police, a former director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several police and military officials.
At the same time, more than 22,000 foreign nationals from 38 countries have been repatriated in accordance with legal procedures, with cooperation from their respective embassies. The commission said the individuals had been rescued from illegal labour, exploitation, and treatment by foreign criminal networks.
The CCOS said Mr Hun Manet’s visit to Koh Kong sends a message to the international community that Cambodia will not allow any of its territory to become a haven for online scam criminals.
The commission said the government will continue strengthening legal mechanisms, improving technology security management, and expanding international cooperation to dismantle criminal networks.
It called on the public and partners to provide information about suspected scam locations so authorities can promptly intervene.
-Khmer Times-
