Cambodian PM orders casino licence reviews amid scam crackdown
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has ordered authorities across the country to intensify the crackdown on telecommunications and online fraud, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating scam operations while protecting Cambodia’s international reputation, investor confidence and tourism sector.
The directive was issued during a plenary Cabinet meeting at the Peace Palace on 26 June, according to Cambodia’s Royal Government Spokesperson Unit and the state-run Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP).
Local media outlet Cambodia China Times reported that Hun Manet instructed provincial authorities to continue the nationwide enforcement campaign and stressed that the government would “never retreat” from tackling online fraud.
According to the report, the Prime Minister said governments at all levels and law enforcement agencies must continue advancing the special enforcement campaign to create a “safe, stable and orderly” environment for domestic and foreign investors and tourists. He added that combating telecommunications and online fraud was not only essential to maintaining social order and the country’s image but also to preserving investor confidence and Cambodia’s broader business environment.
“The government will unwaveringly continue the relevant operations and will never allow illegal and criminal activities to harm the national interest,” Hun Manet said, according to the report.
Casino sector faces tighter scrutiny
Alongside the Prime Minister’s directive, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth called for comprehensive reviews of casinos across Cambodia to verify their licensing status.
Speaking during a seminar on gaming regulation and combating online fraud held on 26 June, Aun Pornmoniroth instructed relevant government departments to inspect casino operators and warned that any casino found to be involved in online fraud or other illegal activities could have its licence revoked, stated the report.
Aun Pornmoniroth also serves as chairman of Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission, the country’s gaming regulator.
Cambodia China Times reported that the administration would remain “resolute” in tackling online fraud because such criminal activity undermines investor confidence in Cambodia’s business environment.
Hundreds of scam operations dismantled
According to figures released by the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS), and cited by AKP and the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit, more than 500 suspected telecommunications and online scam locations were targeted nationwide between early 2025 and 22 June 2026, with over 400 illegal operations permanently shut down.
The enforcement campaign also resulted in the revocation or suspension of 25 casino licences. Authorities have referred 184 cases to the courts, with 55 currently under judicial proceedings, involving 1,761 defendants. More than 2,000 foreign suspects from 33 countries and regions have also been implicated in the investigations.
The government said the campaign had received international recognition and demonstrated Cambodia’s commitment to combating online fraud. Hun Manet instructed authorities to maintain their momentum to ensure scam operations no longer operate within Cambodian territory.
Criminal groups adapting to enforcement
According to the report, authorities have observed criminal organisations changing their operating methods as enforcement has intensified.
Instead of concentrating activities inside large scam compounds, some groups have reportedly moved into ordinary apartments, row houses, guesthouses, workers’ dormitories and even private dining rooms in restaurants in an effort to evade law enforcement.
The report also said the government recently adjusted the positions of several provincial governors and senior officials who failed to effectively advance the crackdown or fulfil their responsibilities, reinforcing local accountability for enforcement efforts.
Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, who heads the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams, said law enforcement agencies would continue expanding operations to eliminate telecommunications and online fraud networks. He said: “Our mission is to drag every rat out of its rat hole and not let a single one escape.”
Campaign continues amid international scrutiny
The latest measures build on Cambodia’s broader campaign against online scam networks and illegal gambling operations. In recent months, Cambodian authorities have carried out extensive raids on scam compounds and casinos across the country, targeting properties suspected of facilitating online fraud and cybercrime. The enforcement drive has included the suspension and revocation of casino licences linked to criminal activity, including the recent cancellation of the licence of Roxy Hotel & Casino in Bavet after investigators connected the property to alleged online scam operations.
The renewed crackdown also follows increased international scrutiny. Earlier this month, Amnesty International alleged that organised crime groups continued to operate scam compounds in Cambodia despite previous enforcement efforts. Cambodian authorities rejected the findings, arguing that the report failed to reflect the scale of ongoing raids, prosecutions and regulatory action undertaken by the government.
Manet’s latest directive coincided with a visit by former Prime Minister Hun Sen to China from 26 to 28 June. According to Xinhua, the visit included meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials as part of an official goodwill visit.
Asian iGaming returns to the City of Dreams. From 30 November to 2 December 2026, SiGMA South Asia unites 3,500+ industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers in Colombo to shape the future of gaming.
