Authorities in Phnom Penh have arrested 10 South Korean nationals in two separate raids linked to alleged online scam operations targeting victims overseas.
A joint task force under the Phnom Penh Unified Command conducted coordinated operations at two suspected scam locations in the Sen Sok district and Russey Keo district following investigations into fraudulent activities conducted via online gambling platforms.
Five suspects were detained Tuesday at a residence in Borey Vimean Phnom Penh, Russey Keo. The remaining five were arrested a day earlier at two houses in Borey Piphop Thmey, Sen Sok. Authorities said all 10 are believed to be part of the same network.
During the raids, officials seized $19,700 in cash, eight CPU units, 18 computer monitors, three laptops, four mobile phones, and six passports. The operation was carried out under the direction of Khuong Sreng, Phnom Penh Municipal Governor, with support from the Phnom Penh Municipal Police, the Royal Gendarmerie, and local authorities. Prosecutors from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court coordinated legal procedures.
Preliminary investigations indicate the group operated websites promoting illegal online gambling activities, targeting customers in South Korea and other countries while using Cambodia as a base. Authorities identified Kim Changhan as the alleged ringleader. Kim is reportedly wanted in South Korea for operating illegal gambling websites, and South Korean officials have requested the suspects be deported to face legal proceedings.
In a separate crackdown on Sunday, 24 additional suspects were arrested in Phnom Penh’s Chamkar Mon district for technology-enabled fraud. These included six Chinese nationals at The Peak Tower 2, six Indonesians at The Bridge building, and 12 Indonesians at Noden Hotel and Apartment.
Investigations into all cases are ongoing under Cambodian law.
At the ASEAN-Cambodia Business Summit 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to eliminate cyber scams by April 2026, emphasizing that cybercriminals and those engaged in transnational fraud will face maximum penalties.
“Cambodia is not a place for cybercriminals engaged in fraud or transnational crime,” Hun Manet said. “Anyone behind such activities will face the maximum penalties under the law without exception.”
