Cambodia's Commission for Combating Technology Crimes (CCTC) reported that authorities suppressed 200 cases of online scams involving approximately 2,500 locations between June 2025 and early 2026, and deported more than 8,000 foreigners, the Phnom Penh Post reported on February 19, 2026.
Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, chairman of the CCTC secretariat, presented the update to 26 ambassadors and diplomatic representatives in Cambodia, along with European Union representatives, on February 181. He said the campaign has been intensified under the seventh mandate of the Royal Government, particularly through the establishment of the CBCHB, a national mechanism led directly by Prime Minister Hun Manet1.
Officials seized 10,444 computers and 36,476 smartphones, along with other material, and shuttered 200 locations, including casinos1. Sinarith said several key masterminds have fled and that authorities are working to apprehend them1.
"Approximately 210,000 foreigners have voluntarily departed for their home countries."
According to the Ministry of Justice, Cambodian courts convicted more than 500 ringleaders and their accomplices over the past eight months, in cases including those involving Chen Zhi and Li Kuong1. Cambodia said it is working with the United States, China, South Korea, the Philippines, Interpol, UNODC and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation1.
| Reported measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Cases suppressed (June 2025 to early 2026) | 200 |
| Locations involved | approximately 2,500 |
| Computers seized | 10,444 |
| Smartphones seized | 36,476 |
| Foreigners deported | over 8,000 |
| Foreigners who departed voluntarily | approximately 210,000 |
| Convicted ringleaders and accomplices | more than 500 |
What it means for players
The figures cover scam operations, which are distinct from licensed gambling, but the two overlap in Cambodia: Sinarith said the 200 shuttered locations included casinos1. For anyone gambling in Cambodia, whether a local, expat or visitor, the practical effect is that some venues named in enforcement activity may close or change hands, and staff at affected operations may face detention or deportation. The reported convictions of more than 500 people and the deportation of over 8,000 foreigners show that authorities are treating participation in these operations as a criminal matter, not a regulatory one. Details of which specific casinos were shut, and whether any held valid licenses, have not been reported. General guidance on identifying fraudulent operations is set out in our guide to gambling scams and safety in Asia, and the legal position for players is covered in Can I gamble in Cambodia? and Can foreigners gamble in Cambodia?.
What happens next
Sinarith urged partner countries and organizations to continue cooperating with the Royal Government by providing support for strengthening capabilities against transnational crime, as well as materials, technical assistance and forensic analysis1. No further dated enforcement steps were announced in the report. The report did not state how many of the approximately 2,500 locations remain under investigation, and no timeline for completing the campaign has been reported.
