Synopsis: The mission in Tokyo highlights hundreds of enforcement operations, thousands of deportations, and ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational crime networks in response to an international body questioning the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s fight against cyber fraud and human trafficking.
In the face of recent international reports linking Cambodia to online scam operations and human trafficking, the Cambodian Embassy in Japan pushed back by highlighting the government’s extensive crackdown and ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
In a June 12 statement, the mission addressed the claims of media publications, including Nikkei Asia and The Japan Times, which cited a critical report by Amnesty International.
The original report criticised Cambodia’s efforts to combat online scams and technology-based human trafficking, accusing authorities of failing to dismantle the “vast majority of operations.” In particular, Amnesty claimed it had identified 86 active scamming compounds as of April 2026 but noted state interventions occurred at only 24 of them.
In its statement, the embassy said it welcomes constructive discussion on the issue because the Cambodian government considers online scams, cybercrime, human trafficking, money laundering, and transnational organised crime as serious threats to public security, economic stability, and human dignity. It added that the report acknowledged the kingdom’s effort in fighting the crimes.
“We appreciate that recent reports themselves acknowledge that Cambodia has undertaken a nationwide crackdown against online scam operations and that ‘the crackdown is happening, and it’s real’,” the embassy said.
“The reports also recognise that extensive enforcement operations have been carried out and that thousands of individuals have been released or have escaped from scam compounds during the course of the campaign.”
The embassy said the numbers show the government’s efforts have been effective.
“Between July 2025 and May 20, 2026, Cambodian authorities conducted more than 400 operations targeting online scam activities nationwide. During that period, 25 casino licences were suspended or revoked, and 143 cases involving 1,458 suspects of 19 nationalities were referred to the courts,” the statement reads.
“From January 2025 through May 24, 2026, Cambodia facilitated the repatriation of 18,864 foreign nationals from 33 countries, including 2,263 women. These efforts were supported by strengthened legislation, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and expanded cooperation with international law-enforcement partners.”
While different bodies may have varying assessments regarding the effectiveness of the operations, the embassy said the evolving nature and complexity of online scams have posed tough challenges for law enforcement.
“Criminal groups frequently relocate, fragment into smaller units, adapt their methods, and exploit vulnerabilities across multiple jurisdictions,” the embassy said, adding that the continued existence of such criminal networks should not be interpreted as evidence that enforcement efforts have failed.
“Rather, it reflects the complex and evolving nature of the challenge and the need for sustained national, regional, and international cooperation.”
