Cambodia Orders 91 Casino Closures In Online Scam Sweep

Cambodia has ordered 91 casinos to close as officials target online scam networks, illegal gambling activity, and foreign-linked fraud groups.

Good to Know

• Cambodia says more than 250 suspected scam centres were raided in nine months.
• Officials reported 13,039 deportations tied to scam operations across 33 nationalities.
• A new anti-online scam law took effect on April 6, with penalties up to life in prison in death-related cases.

Cambodia Casino Closures Linked To Wider Cybercrime Campaign

The Cambodian government has widened its campaign against online scams by ordering the closure of 91 casinos accused of involvement in scam activity.

A government statement reported by Chinese news agency Xinhua said authorities have raided more than 250 suspected scam centres over the past nine months. Officials also said 241,888 people voluntarily left Cambodia between mid-January and April 19 as enforcement increased.

China has also pressed Cambodia to act. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh on April 22 and called for stronger action against cross-border gambling and online fraud. Beijing described those crimes as a threat to public safety.

Cambodia says the casino closures form part of a wider plan to break up scam compounds, illegal online platforms, and criminal networks tied to foreign operators. Officials also want to improve the image of Cambodia abroad and reinforce public order at home.

The legal side has changed as well. Cambodia introduced a new anti-online scam law on April 6. Operators can now face life imprisonment when scam activity leads to death, while ringleaders and other participants face long prison terms.