Cambodia’s state news agency reported on May 23, 2026, citing the anti-scam commission secretariat, that Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng and relevant police and military police leaders ordered inspections of homes suspected of unlawful group residence and online scam activity on May 22. The three reported locations were in Chbar Ampov and Sen Sok districts.
Local authorities participated, with legal procedures coordinated by prosecutors attached to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. The circumstances of each detained person remained subject to investigation and lawful handling.
Police detained 26 Chinese nationals at three locations. The first was an unnumbered home in Prek Eng commune, Chbar Ampov district, where four people were detained and 19 phones and two computers seized. Ten people, including one woman, were detained at the second home in Borey One Tropica, Sen Sok district. Twelve were detained at the third home on Road R-12 in Borey Peng Huoth, Veal Sbov commune, Chbar Ampov district.
According to the statement, of the 26 people detained, 22 could not produce passports at the time: three at the first location, seven at the second and 12 at the third. All those detained and the seized equipment were transferred to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissariat for further legal procedures.
The report reminded foreign residents in Cambodia to keep their passports and other identity documents secure and check their visa and residence arrangements.
People working and living abroad should comply with local laws and avoid activities suspected of being unlawful.
Such inspections also remind foreign residents to maintain lawful residence, manage their documents carefully and stay away from scam activities.
