Academic Paper: Cambodia’s Crackdown on Transnational Cyber Scam Centers – Legal, Operational, and Humanitarian Implications
Abstract
This paper examines Cambodia’s recent efforts to dismantle transnational cyber scam operations, focusing on the closure of nearly 200 scam centers in 2026. It analyzes the legal frameworks, operational strategies, and international cooperation mechanisms underpinning the crackdown. The study highlights the challenges Cambodia faces in addressing systemic issues such as limited resources, human trafficking, and geopolitical tensions. Drawing on official statements, journalistic reports, and humanitarian assessments, the paper underscores the broader implications for regional security and the need for sustained international collaboration.
- Introduction
Transnational cyber crime, particularly scam operations, has emerged as a critical threat to Southeast Asia’s economic and social stability. Cambodia, once a peripheral actor in this domain, has recently come under global scrutiny for hosting sophisticated scam centers targeting victims worldwide. In February 2026, Cambodian authorities announced the closure of 190 scam centers, the arrest of 173 key figures, and the deportation of 11,000 workers, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to combat cybercrime. This paper investigates the legal, operational, and humanitarian dimensions of Cambodia’s crackdown, contextualizing it within regional and international frameworks.
- Background: The Rise of Cyber Scam Centers in Cambodia
Cyber scam centers in Cambodia have operated for over a decade, leveraging the country’s legal ambiguities, porous borders, and economic vulnerabilities. These centers, often controlled by syndicates based in China or linked to local elites, have orchestrated schemes such as romance scams, investment fraud, and fake police extortion. Victims are predominantly from Thailand, India, and the Philippines, with scamming methods including deepfake technology and forged legal documents.
Historically, Cambodia downplayed the severity of these operations, despite reports from international bodies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The 2026 crackdown, however, followed a landmark U.S. indictment of a China-born kingpin in 2025 and his extradition from China, signaling a shift in international pressure on Cambodia.
- Legal and Policy Measures
3.1 Domestic Legislation
Cambodia’s legal response has been fragmented. Under the Ministry of Interior, the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams was established in 2024 to coordinate efforts. The 2026 crackdown relied on existing laws, including the Cybercrime Law (2015) and the Trafficking in Persons Law (2008), though enforcement has been inconsistent.
3.2 International Cooperation
The U.S. indictment of a scam kingpin in 2025 catalyzed cross-border collaboration. China’s extradition of the accused demonstrated a rare alignment of interests with Western powers against cybercrime. Thailand’s military occupation of a disputed border compound in December 2025, which housed a scam center, further highlighted regional tensions and the need for jurisdictional cooperation.
- Operational Tactics and Challenges
4.1 Enforcement Strategies
The 2026 operation involved targeted raids on scam centers in provinces like Kampot and Oddar Meanchey. Authorities showcased facilities with computer stations, fake police stations (e.g., Indian and Thai), and call centers, emphasizing their sophistication. However, logistical challenges persisted: Kampot’s police force of 1,000 personnel struggled to manage 6,000–7,000 fleeing workers.
4.2 Limitations
Resource shortages, corruption, and political will remain barriers. Previous crackdowns failed to curtail the problem due to inadequate manpower and lack of political prioritization. The 2026 campaign, while more aggressive, still faced criticism for its inability to prosecute lower-level workers, many of whom were themselves human trafficking victims.
- Humanitarian and Social Implications
The crackdown triggered a “humanitarian crisis” (Amnesty International, 2026) as workers fled brutal conditions. Victims, often from China, India, and Myanmar, reported forced labor, physical abuse, and financial coercion. Deportation efforts highlighted gaps in victim protection, with many returned without legal recourse. The Indian embassy’s lack of response to Reuters inquiries underscored the diplomatic complexities of addressing cross-border trafficking.
Moreover, the exodus of workers disrupted local economies, particularly in border regions like Samraong and Kampot, where scam centers previously generated illicit revenue but now created unemployment and social instability.
- International Responses and Diplomatic Implications
6.1 Regional Dynamics
Thailand’s military occupation of a Cambodian border compound in 2025 demonstrated the regional spillover effects of scam operations. While the Thai move was criticized as militarization, it also revealed shared interests in dismantling transnational crime.
6.2 Global Partnerships
The U.S. and China’s collaboration against the scam kingpin marks a departure from their broader geopolitical rivalry. However, Cambodia’s strategic alignment with China—evidenced by Chinese investments in infrastructure and border security—complicates efforts to secure sustained international support.
- Challenges and Future Prospects
The 2026 crackdown, while significant, is not a panacea. Scam centers have historically relocated to Vietnam and Laos, where enforcement is similarly weak. Cambodia’s justice system lacks capacity to prosecute complex cybercrime cases, and corruption within local governance continues to enable racketeering.
To address these issues, the government must:
Strengthen Law Enforcement Capacity: Increase funding for police and judicial training.
Enhance Victim Support: Establish shelters, legal aid, and reintegration programs for trafficked workers.
Foster Regional Alliances: Collaborate with neighbors to create a unified anti-scam framework, including shared intelligence and standardized laws.
Address Root Causes: Promote alternative employment opportunities to reduce vulnerability to trafficking.
- Conclusion
Cambodia’s 2026 crackdown on scam centers represents a commendable but incomplete step toward combating transnational cybercrime. While the operation showcased political will and international cooperation, systemic challenges—including limited resources, corruption, and human rights concerns—remain. Sustainable solutions require a holistic approach integrating legal reforms, regional collaboration, and victim-centered policies. As cybercrime continues to evolve, Cambodia’s success will hinge on its ability to balance enforcement with empowerment, ensuring that the country is no longer a haven for digital fraud.
References
Reuters. (2026). Cambodia Closes 190 Scam Centers in Fraud Crackdown. February 11.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2024). Transnational Cybercrime in Southeast Asia.
Amnesty International. (2026). Humanitarian Crisis in Cambodia’s Scam Centers.
Chhay Sinarith, Deputy Chief, Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (Personal Communication, 2026).
Mao Chanmothurith, Kampot Provincial Police Chief (Government-Organized Tour, 2026).