Cambodia Seals Nearly 200 Scam Centres, Fake Indian Police Station Found During Crackdown

Authorities in Cambodia have shut down nearly 200 scam centres as part of an intensified crackdown on transnational cyber fraud networks, officials confirmed, marking one of the largest enforcement actions against organised online scams in the region. The move comes amid growing international pressure to dismantle criminal operations that target victims worldwide through sophisticated digital schemes.

Senior minister Chhay Sinarith, who heads the government’s Commission for Combating Online Scams, said around 190 locations have been sealed in recent weeks. The operation has resulted in the arrest of more than 170 senior suspects and the deportation of approximately 11,000 workers believed to be linked to scam operations. The crackdown began late last year following coordinated global action that included indictments in the United States and the extradition of an alleged scam kingpin from China.

During a government-organised media visit to a complex in Kampot province near the Vietnam border, journalists were shown large halls filled with computer stations and scripts used to deceive victims in different countries. Among the most striking discoveries was a fake Indian police station setup, complete with props designed to impersonate law enforcement authorities. Investigators said such staged environments were used to intimidate victims during video calls and make fraudulent claims appear credible.

Human rights groups have long raised concerns about the conditions inside these compounds. According to Amnesty International, many individuals working in scam centres are victims of trafficking who are forced to carry out online fraud under harsh conditions. In recent weeks, thousands of workers reportedly fled various facilities seeking to return to their home countries, highlighting what rights groups describe as a growing humanitarian crisis linked to the industry.

Officials acknowledged the scale of the challenge, noting that security forces were overwhelmed when large numbers of workers attempted to leave one compound simultaneously. Local police in Kampot said their limited manpower made it difficult to detain suspects as thousands exited the site after the arrest of an alleged crime boss connected to the network.

The latest crackdown comes after years of criticism that Cambodia had downplayed the presence of scam compounds within its borders. Previous enforcement actions were often seen as limited in scope and failed to halt the rapid expansion of online fraud hubs. Authorities now claim the current campaign is broader, targeting both operational sites and high-level organisers behind the networks.

International observers say the discovery of fake police stations from multiple countries underscores the evolving tactics used by cybercriminal groups to manipulate victims. Experts warn that the global nature of these scams makes coordinated cross-border action essential, as criminal networks frequently shift operations between jurisdictions to avoid law enforcement pressure.

While the Cambodian government maintains that its efforts demonstrate a commitment to tackling organised cybercrime, analysts believe sustained international cooperation and stronger oversight will be necessary to prevent these operations from re-emerging under new fronts.