Cambodia reports crackdown results: 972 locations targeted, 5,032 suspects detained

Cambodia's Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) said authorities took action against 972 locations linked to online scams, detained 5,032 suspects and repatriated 23,760 foreign nationals of 38 nationalities between July 2025 and October 2026¹. The figures were announced by Chhay Sinarith, Senior Minister in charge of Special Missions and Standing Vice-Chairman of the CCOS, at a diplomatic briefing in Phnom Penh on Nov. 6².

According to the CCOS, authorities prepared case files for court proceedings in 568 cases over the same period, and the 5,032 suspects were indicted and placed in pre-trial detention pending judicial proceedings¹. More than $300 million held in bank accounts, along with movable and immovable assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars, have been frozen and are subject to legal confiscation procedures¹. The Straits Times reported that the statement did not attribute the full frozen amount to the Prince Group³.

On casinos, authorities revoked 18 casino licenses linked to the Prince Group network, associated with Chen Zhi and Li Kuong, and suspended another 10 casino licenses¹. The CCOS said authorities are further investigating financial networks, concealed assets, the use of cryptocurrencies and casinos allegedly operating illegal online gambling activities under false pretenses¹.

The briefing was attended in person by 46 members of the foreign diplomatic corps, with another 18 representatives from Cambodian diplomatic missions abroad participating virtually¹. The government said it acknowledged information about US sanctions targeting individuals and entities associated with the Prince Group network and is working with international law enforcement agencies including the FBI and Interpol¹.

Sinarith said foreign nationals who voluntarily engage in scam operations for financial gain, or who knowingly continue to participate in illegal activities, would not be classified as victims and would face the full force of the law¹.

What it means for players

The figures cover scam operations, not licensed gambling, but the two overlap in the enforcement described. Ten casino licenses are suspended and 18 revoked, all tied to one network, and the CCOS says it is investigating casinos accused of running illegal online gambling under false pretenses¹. Anyone using online gambling platforms marketed from Cambodia cannot confirm from these figures which operators hold valid licenses, and the CCOS has not published a list of the affected venues¹. The government's position is that foreign nationals who knowingly took part in scam operations are not treated as victims¹. Details of how the license revocations affect existing player accounts, deposits or withdrawals have not been reported.

What happens next

The CCOS said Cambodia remains committed to the 11 action points of the Phnom Penh Declaration on international cooperation against online scams¹. Investigations continue into financial networks, concealed assets, cryptocurrency use and casinos accused of illegal online gambling¹. Sinarith called on foreign governments, international organizations and media to share information, leads and evidence with Cambodian authorities³. No timetable for further enforcement or for the confiscation proceedings has been reported.

For background on the risks around unlicensed operators, see Gambling Scams in Asia and Gambling in Cambodia.