Cambodian police raided two buildings in Poipet city, Banteay Meanchey province, uncovering 230 foreigners allegedly involved in online scam operations. The February 22-23 crackdown followed a three-month investigation, leading to the detention of 123 Thai nationals among those found. Authorities believe the operation was run by Chinese masterminds, with participants reportedly accepting the illegal work voluntarily.

Thai and Cambodian police cooperated in the latest raid, following previous concerns over scam centers in Poipet. Thai authorities were alerted to the operation by a victim’s email, leading to an investigation that pinpointed the scam’s location. Cambodian police stated that legal procedures will be coordinated with Thai authorities and that cases involving human trafficking or online fraud will be prosecuted accordingly.

Choun Bun Eng, vice president of the Cambodia National Committee for Counter Trafficking, confirmed that police are reviewing whether the case involves trafficking or falls solely under criminal law. Thai police previously acted against scam centers in Poipet, but earlier operations were conducted without formal cooperation. Further details from Thai and Cambodian authorities remain pending.

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