Amnesty report says scam centers continue operating in Cambodia despite crackdowns

Monday 08 June 2026 - 12:00

Amnesty International has reported that numerous suspected scam operations continue to function in Cambodia despite government efforts to dismantle them. The findings highlight ongoing challenges in addressing transnational criminal networks operating across the region.

According to the report, dozens of compounds believed to be linked to online scam activities remain active. Out of a large number of identified sites, only a limited portion has been directly targeted by authorities, raising concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement measures.

The human rights organization noted that many interventions carried out by authorities appeared to be reactive and inconsistent. In some cases, operations were allegedly undermined by cooperation between compound managers and certain local officials, allowing suspected activities to persist or relocate.

The report also highlights the difficult situation faced by individuals working inside these compounds. Some victims of trafficking and forced labor reportedly experienced restricted movement and were moved between locations during enforcement actions, making it harder for authorities to intervene effectively.

Amnesty International criticized the treatment of affected individuals, arguing that some were treated as irregular migrants rather than victims of exploitation. The organization called for stronger victim protection mechanisms and more coordinated regional cooperation to combat trafficking networks.

The Cambodian government has rejected claims of widespread complicity and stated that it continues to take action against illegal operations. Officials argue that enforcement efforts are ongoing but face significant challenges due to the scale and complexity of international cybercrime networks.

Experts say the issue reflects a broader regional problem in Southeast Asia, where scam compounds have expanded rapidly in recent years, often linked to online fraud targeting victims worldwide.

The report calls for stronger oversight, improved law enforcement coordination, and greater international collaboration to effectively dismantle these operations and protect vulnerable individuals.