Cambodian authorities have arrested 258 foreigners in Mondulkiri province for suspected involvement in online scam operations. The detainees include 247 Chinese nationals, along with individuals from Myanmar, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Fourteen remain under investigation for violent crimes and forced labor, while the rest face deportation.

The crackdown comes amid a broader regional effort to combat human trafficking and cyber fraud, spearheaded by Thailand with support from China. Cambodian officials have rejected accusations circulating on Chinese social media that local police sold information to criminals or ignored victims. The government dismissed these claims as propaganda, arguing they misrepresent its efforts to combat scam syndicates.

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen defended Cambodia’s actions, saying its efforts are comparable to Thailand’s but have not received equal recognition. Officials insist that the fight against transnational cybercrime remains ongoing.