PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — In a major escalation of its fight against transnational cybercrime, the Cambodian government has closed 91 casinos linked to illegal online scam operations.
The announcement, made Sunday, April 26, 2026, comes as part of a sweeping nationwide campaign that has seen over 250 scam centers raided and more than 13,000 foreign nationals deported in recent months.
Prime Minister Hun Manet’s administration is intensifying these efforts following increased diplomatic pressure from China and regional partners to eradicate the sophisticated fraud networks operating within the country’s borders.
A Coordinated Strike Against Cybercrime
The crackdown marks a turning point in Cambodia’s efforts to clean up its gaming and technology sectors, which have long been scrutinized for harboring illegal activities. According to official reports from the Cambodian government, the targeted casinos were identified as hubs for “pig butchering” schemes, illegal gambling, and telecommunications fraud.
The timing of the announcement is significant, occurring shortly after a high-profile visit from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During his meetings in Phnom Penh, Wang urged Cambodian officials to take “stronger action” against cross-border gambling and online fraud, citing them as serious threats to public safety in both nations.
Unprecedented Numbers in Enforcement
The scale of the operation is visible in the staggering statistics released by authorities. The government has focused not just on closing physical locations but on dismantling the human infrastructure supporting these networks.
- 91 Casinos Closed: Facilities found enabling or directly operating scam activities were stripped of their licenses and shuttered.
- 13,039 Deports: Foreign nationals from 33 different countries have been sent back to their home nations after being linked to scam operations.
- 250+ Raids: Law enforcement teams have targeted hidden scam compounds across the country, from coastal Sihanoukville to the capital.
- Mass Departure: Between mid-January and late April 2026, approximately 241,888 individuals voluntarily left Cambodia as enforcement tightened and the “new law on combating online scams” took effect.
New Legal Teeth: Life Imprisonment for Kingpins
To ensure the crackdown has a lasting impact, Cambodia has implemented a rigorous legal framework. A new law promulgated on April 6, 2026, introduces some of the harshest penalties in the region for cybercrime leaders.
Under the new statutes, “scam bosses” whose operations lead to the death of victims—often due to the brutal conditions of forced labor within these compounds—can now face life imprisonment. Ringleaders involved in human trafficking, torture, or illegal detention face sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years. Even entry-level scammers are now looking at two to five years in prison, signaling that the “free pass” era for cybercrime in the region is over.
Regional Pressure and Global Scrutiny
Cambodia’s aggressive stance is also a response to growing international pressure. The Associated Press and other global outlets have frequently highlighted the rise of “scam factories” in Southeast Asia, where victims are often lured with fake job offers only to be held captive and forced to defraud others globally.
The United States has also stepped up its involvement, recently announcing sanctions and criminal charges against networks operating in both Cambodia and Myanmar. By taking these visible steps, Phnom Penh aims to restore its international reputation and prove its commitment to the rule of law.
What’s Next for the Industry?
While the closure of 91 casinos is a massive step, experts suggest the challenge remains in preventing these networks from simply relocating to more remote areas or neighboring countries. The Cambodian government has stated it will continue to monitor the remaining licensed casinos closely and will not hesitate to take further action if illegal activity is detected.
As the July 1 deadline for new regional cybersecurity decrees approaches, the focus is shifting toward digital sovereignty and the protection of both local and international citizens from the evolving tactics of high-tech criminals.
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