Over 210,000 suspected foreign scammers left Cambodia amid intensified crackdown on online fraud

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - More than 210,000 suspected foreign scammers have departed Cambodia voluntarily since operations against cyber-scams intensified last June, according to estimations by authorities.

Several ringleaders also remain under active investigation after fleeing their bases, according to the Ministry of Information on Wednesday.

Since June last year, joint task forces have raided approximately 2,500 locations and dismantled about 200 major cases of online fraud.

More than 46,000 pieces of technological equipment were seized during the operation, and over 8,000 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation.

Cambodian courts also processed cases against more than 500 individuals, including high-profile ringleaders and associates.

Numerous victims "trafficked into 'scam factories' and forced to labor for criminal networks" were rescued in tandem with international partners.

Phnom Penh is also working on a draft law on counter-cybercrime, aiming to establish a framework with "severe penalties to prevent future illicit digital activities and ensure a safe digital environment."