Cambodian authorities have arrested 65 individuals on October 28, 2025 including seven Chinese nationals and 58 Vietnamese nationals, in coordinated crackdown on online fraud in Phnom Penh and Kampot province. Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Cambodia

Cambodian authorities have arrested 65 individuals on Tuesday, including seven Chinese nationals and 58 Vietnamese nationals, in coordinated crackdown on online fraud in Phnom Penh and Kampot province. The police investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in online romance scams targeting overseas victims, the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia said on Thursday. 

In Phnom Penh, the Cambodian National Police, in collaboration with Chamkar Mon and Police and Phnom Penh City Police, raided an apartment building along Norodom Boulevard. The operation, coordinated with the Deputy Prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Court of First Instance, took place on the 17th floor of the building. During the raid, seven Chinese men were arrested on suspicion of involvement in online fraud. Authorities also seized 32 mobile phones, computers, and other related items, according to the post published on the embassy on Thursday. 

The police investigation revealed that the suspects were involved in online romance scams targeting overseas victims. Authorities are currently working to identify the masterminds behind the fraud operation. The arrested individuals and the seized evidence have been handed over to the General Department of Immigration and relevant authorities for further legal processing.

On the same day, the Cambodian National Police, in cooperation with Kampot province police, conducted a raid in the coastal city of Kampot. The authorities targeted three townhouses, a villa, and a room, arresting 58 Vietnamese nationals suspected of online fraud. Seven of the suspects had arrest warrants issued by the local court. At the scene, police seized 63 computers, 48 mobile phones, and other items.

Initial investigations suggest that this fraud ring used fake websites promoting "investment" and "electronic currency" schemes to carry out cross-border scams, primarily targeting foreign individuals.

The Cambodian authorities have stressed their "zero tolerance" policy toward all forms of online fraud. Law enforcement agencies across the country will continue to intensify efforts to combat such crimes and ensure that the masterminds and perpetrators are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.