CHINA

Cambodian Police Arrest 19 Chinese Nationals in Crackdown on Cross-Border Fraud

Published: Mar. 19, 2026 1:04 p.m. GMT+8

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Equipment seized during a police raid on a scam center is displayed on a table in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on March 11, 2026. Photo: VCG

Cambodian authorities have launched a renewed crackdown on telecommunications and internet fraud since January. On Tuesday, police in Phnom Penh raided a scam compound in the Peng Huoth residential complex, arresting 19 Chinese suspects, according to local media reports.

The syndicate defrauded victims on the Chinese mainland by posing as Chinese military personnel via video and voice calls. Officers confiscated a large cache of operational equipment and forged military uniforms at the scene.

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Cambodian authorities intensified a crackdown on telecom and internet fraud, raiding a Phnom Penh scam compound and arresting 19 Chinese suspects, confiscating forged military uniforms and electronic equipment.
From Jan. 1 to Mar. 14, 2024, police dismantled 98 scams, arresting 5,771 individuals from 23 countries, including 3,438 Chinese nationals.
New anti-fraud legislation is in progress, with over 500 cybercrime cases prosecuted and 210,000+ foreigners voluntarily departing due to enforcement.

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What Happened When

From June 2025 to early 2026：: Nationwide operations processed 200 telecom fraud cases, swept approximately 2,500 suspected locations, and deported more than 8,000 foreign nationals involved in the crimes.

Between July 2025 and February 2026：: Cambodian courts initiated proceedings for over 500 cybercrime cases, including those involving the Chen Zhi criminal syndicate.

January 2026：: Cambodian authorities launched a renewed crackdown on telecommunications and internet fraud.

February 18, 2026：: Chhay Sinarith briefed diplomats from 26 countries about Cambodia's national-level anti-fraud mechanism led by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Between January 1, 2026 and March 14, 2026：: Police dismantled 98 scam operations and arrested 5,771 individuals from 23 countries and territories.

March 17, 2026：: Police in Phnom Penh raided a scam compound in the Peng Huoth residential complex, arresting 19 Chinese suspects.

By March 17, 2026：: The 19 Chinese suspects were transferred to the Phnom Penh municipal police department for further interrogation, and their equipment and evidence were legally seized.