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Cambodia claims eradication of all online scam compounds
The Cambodian government, through the Ad-Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS), announced that it has successfully eradicated all large-scale online scam compounds within the country. During a briefing for foreign diplomats, Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith reported that between July 2025 and August 2026, law enforcement inspected 793 suspected locations and conducted crackdowns on 624 sites.
According to official figures, the operations resulted in the detention of nearly 30,000 suspects from 39 different nationalities. Additionally, authorities reported rescuing and deporting 58,266 foreign nationals, noting that 22,045 individuals were directly involved in scam operations.
Despite these claims, independent experts and international organizations have expressed skepticism. Critics point to the massive economic impact of these crimes, citing a United Nations report that estimated scam-related losses between $88.3 billion and $114.1 billion in 2025. Some anti-trafficking consultants argue that credible indicators suggest scamming operations and the recruitment of foreign workers into the country continue despite the government's reported success.
Entities
Ad-Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams · Cambodia · Chhay Sinarith · Mark Taylor · United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Cambodia claims there are no longer any online scam compounds operating within the country. www.tvk.gov.kh · nationalcybersecurity.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Law enforcement investigated 793 suspected locations between July 2025 and August 20, 2026. www.tvk.gov.kh
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A total of 58,266 foreign nationals were rescued and deported. www.tvk.gov.kh
- [● 2 SOURCES] Online scams caused estimated combined losses of $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion in 2025. nationalcybersecurity.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [DISPUTED] Independent experts express skepticism, suggesting credible indicators that scamming operations and recruitment continue. nationalcybersecurity.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nearly 30,000 suspects representing 39 nationalities were detained. www.tvk.gov.kh
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities conducted crackdowns on 624 sites. www.tvk.gov.kh