The Interior Ministry report said no individual or youth gang should have free rein to disrupt society. From February 1 to 22, 2026, police nationwide handled 82 youth-gang cases and detained 302 people.
According to the report, most of those apprehended were dealt with through legal proceedings and referred to court. Following court orders, police also transferred people from court to prison in successive cases.
For a small number whose involvement was minor and had not reached the level of a criminal offence, authorities used administrative measures: education, undertakings to stop the activity and clear guarantees from guardians before allowing them to return home.
The report said operations during this period took place mainly in Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal, Kampot, Kampong Speu, Preah Sihanouk, Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Kratie, Svay Rieng and Takeo.
At a February 18 meeting, Interior Minister Sar Sokha instructed provincial and municipal police chiefs to act quickly, investigate and arrest gangs involved in incidents or on the run within 48 hours. By analogy, he said that if authorities could progressively dismantle online scam groups, determined action should also enable them to apprehend and punish youth-gang offenders.
By Nget Pisant
