THREE Malaysians are among 49 individuals detained in a major police operation targeting a suspected online fraud syndicate in Cambodia’s capital, amid stepped-up regional enforcement against cybercrime networks.
A joint task force under the Phnom Penh Unified Command Committee carried out the raid at a hotel in Khan Sen Sok earlier today, following instructions from Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng.
The operation was led by Phnom Penh Police Commissioner Choun Narin, with legal supervision provided by Deputy Prosecutor Chhay Hong.
Of the 49 individuals arrested, 46 were foreign nationals, including 43 Chinese citizens, alongside one woman each from Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.
According to official reports, authorities seized 60 all-in-one computers, 31 central processing units, a laptop, 687 mobile phones and 46 Malaysian SIM cards during the operation.
Preliminary investigations suggest the group had been using Cambodia as a base to run scam operations, particularly “fake investment” schemes targeting victims in Malaysia and other countries.
Officials said the suspects had recently relocated their activities from Thbong Khmum province.
All suspects and seized items have been handed over to Phnom Penh police for further investigation, including efforts to identify and apprehend the masterminds behind the network.
Authorities have also urged property owners and landlords to exercise caution when renting premises to foreign nationals suspected of involvement in illegal activities or cyber-related crimes.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has pledged to eradicate online scam operations by next month, stressing that Cambodia is not a safe haven for cybercriminals and that those involved will face full legal action. - March 23, 2026
