Cambodia Arrests Over 2,100 in Nationwide Scam Center Crackdown

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has initiated a vigorous nationwide crackdown on online scam centers, ordering authorities to dismantle all operations and threatening officials who fail to cooperate with dismissal or transfer. Since late June, over 2,100 suspects, including many foreign nationals from countries such as Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and India, have been arrested across multiple provinces, with many scam centers suspected of involving human trafficking and forced labor. The government’s campaign follows international criticism, including an Amnesty International report highlighting widespread human rights abuses like slavery and torture at these sites. The crackdown involves coordinated efforts by police, military, immigration, and border control to prevent illegal entry and deport offenders, reflecting concerns over Cambodia being used as a base by foreign criminal groups. Despite these efforts, opposition voices caution that targeting only workers rather than criminal masterminds may allow such operations to resurface. Overall, Hun Manet’s directive aims to protect public security and restore Cambodia’s international reputation amid its role as a hub for lucrative cybercrime scams generating billions annually.