In Cambodia, the government has taken unprecedented measures to combat telecommunication fraud (TCF) gangs. Following a directive from Prime Minister Hun Sen, police forces across the country initiated large-scale raids in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville provinces on November 14th and 16th. These operations targeted multiple fraudulent business parks, resulting in the arrest of over 1,000 suspects, including individuals from Indonesia, Vietnam, Mainland China, and Taiwan.
According to the “Cambodia Times,” on November 15th, Hun Sen held a closed-door meeting in Phnom Penh to convene provincial governors, police chiefs, and gendarmerie commanders to discuss and deploy strategies for combating online fraud. During the meeting, Hun Sen emphasized the need for immediate escalation in the crackdown against these criminal groups within their jurisdictions.
The directive issued by Hun Sen mandated that local governments at all levels must thoroughly eradicate any fraud-related gangs operating within their areas. It highlighted that telecommunication network fraud poses a severe threat to global and regional security, with foreign criminal organizations penetrating Cambodia to engage in illicit activities. The National Police Headquarters and the Immigration Department are tasked with enforcing legal procedures to expel unauthorized immigrants, residents, or those involved in criminal activities. Border law enforcement agencies will strengthen land and water border control to prevent illegal cross-border entries.
The Royal Cambodian Army and special forces have been put on standby, ready to provide support to law enforcement. The Gaming Committee is required to implement stricter regulations over licensed casinos and gambling centers, aiming to completely prevent crimes such as telecommunication network fraud, illegal detention, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, illegal weapons trading, and drug smuggling.
“Hun Sen particularly stressed that officials who do not strictly enforce orders or cooperate with law enforcement would face disciplinary actions such as reassignment,” reported the “Kampuchea Times.”
Following Hun Sen’s directive, nationwide efforts to eradicate these gangs commenced simultaneously across Cambodia. According to the “Khmer Times” on November 17th, police in Sihanoukville arrested 63 Vietnamese suspects at four target locations on the same day. Additionally, Cambodian police raided a fraud hub in Poipet city on the same day, capturing 271 Indonesians.
On November 17th, Zhou Wenying, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Deputy Chairman of the National Commission Against Human Trafficking, cited the “Key Turning Point” in restoring Cambodia’s international image. The national-level crackdown has sent a clear message: a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted to severely combat telecommunication network fraud and transnational criminal networks. From the National Maritime Safety Council to the National Information Technology Center, Cambodia is fully engaged in an “urgent unified action.” The media also noted that this directive represents a “pivotal turning point” in restoring Cambodia’s international reputation.
Global Times Special Correspondent in Cambodia, Dong Kaiying