On January 21, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet chaired a meeting of the Online Anti-Fraudulent Fraud Committee (CCOS). A press release from the Prime Minister's office said that the meeting aimed to "consider the progress of work and propose further directions to eliminate technology-based fraud activities".
The Cambodian government has clearly affirmed that the elimination of online fraud is a top priority. This effort has led to many initiatives, including the establishment of CCOS and the secretariat of the committee. Most recently, Cambodia issued a document aimed at limiting foreigners from residing in collective residential areas.
Localities in Cambodia have also recently strengthened efforts to combat cybercrime. On January 18, the government of Pailin province held an emergency meeting with local business owners to strengthen cooperation in cracking down on online scams and illegal foreigners residing in the province.
In Svay Rieng, on January 19, the provincial government issued a notice strictly warning that it would take tough legal action against any facility owner found to be concealing or involved in online fraud activities in the province.
The message against online fraud was emphasized by Major General Heng Sophal - Chief of Kampong Thom Provincial Police on January 21 at a monthly assessment meeting with the participation of 250 officers.
Last week, the Phnom Penh City government announced a plan requiring a systemic review of apartment buildings and densely populated residential areas suspected of being places of illegal activities. According to this plan, officials are conducting a large-scale campaign in all districts, focusing on densely populated areas and locations considered suspicious.
Cambodian media pointed out that in recent years, many crackdowns on online fraud gangs have been deployed throughout Cambodia, leading to the arrest and deportation of thousands of suspects, including Chen Zhi - founder of Prince Group, who is accused of being the boss of a large-scale fraud and money laundering ring.
According to the General Department of Immigration of Cambodia (GDI), more than 13,000 foreigners from 66 countries and territories were deported from Cambodia in 2025, most of whom are Chinese citizens.
In other related developments, 73 South Korean suspects, including 65 men and 8 women, are accused of defrauding 48.6 billion won (33 million USD) brought back from Cambodia. This will be the largest collective repatriation for South Korean criminal suspects from abroad.
These suspects are among about 260 South Koreans arrested in a crackdown in Cambodia in recent months.
South Korea sent a charter plane to Cambodia and brought these suspects back home on January 23. The suspects will be handed over immediately to the investigating agencies when they arrive.
