The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) recently released a research report identifying areas around Sihanoukville and Poipet in Cambodia as centers of transnational criminal activity in Southeast Asia. The report said some criminal networks are suspected of engaging in online scams, human trafficking, money laundering and counterfeit goods transactions, while taking advantage of conditions such as frequent cross-border movement and regulatory challenges. It also called on regional stakeholders to strengthen intelligence sharing and cross-border law enforcement cooperation.
The Cambodian government has continued in recent years to intensify efforts against online scams. Previously released official data show that authorities nationwide have inspected 624 sites linked to cases, brought about 30,000 people under control, and provided assistance to and repatriated approximately 58,300 foreigners. Some 408 cases have been referred to the courts, while 3,477 suspects have been arrested and detained pending trial.
In response to the report’s linkage of economic special zones with criminal activity, a senior Council for the Development of Cambodia official said that, as of April 2026, no online scam activity remained within economic special zones. The official said the government requires businesses in the zones to cooperate with law enforcement and that facilities found engaging in illegal activity would be closed, while stressing that legitimate economic special zones should not be directly associated with criminal behavior.
Cambodian enforcement efforts remain under way. The government and law enforcement agencies said they would continue to investigate scam-related venues, hold those responsible accountable and strengthen cooperation with regional partners. The effectiveness of the actions and the problems identified in the report remain subject to continued observation.
