Cambodia closes 91 casinos in widened crackdown on cyber scams

(AsiaGameHub) –   In an intensified effort against cybercrime, Cambodia has ordered the closure of 91 casinos implicated in online scams as part of a wider enforcement campaign targeting illegal gambling and fraud operations.

Authorities have reported that over 250 scam-related facilities were shut down in the nine months leading up to December, with numerous raids conducted on premises suspected of engaging in online fraud and operating illegally. Additionally, more than 13,000 foreign nationals were deported, and over 240,000 others reportedly left the country voluntarily between mid-January and mid-April as part of this crackdown.

This action follows increased pressure from China, whose Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, visited Phnom Penh on April 22 and urged the government to implement more stringent measures to curb cross-border gambling and cyber scams.

According to state media, the 91 casinos targeted for closure are either directly involved in scam activities or facilitate online fraud networks, leading to suspicions that they may be serving as fronts for cybercriminal enterprises.

In addition to stricter enforcement of existing gambling laws, new legislation has been enacted, including an anti-scam law that took effect on April 6. This law mandates severe penalties, including life imprisonment for serious offenses of this nature.

Under the directive of Hun Sen, Cambodia has made significant strides in combating cybercrime, demonstrating its capacity to more effectively regulate its gambling industry, largely in response to pressure from China, the United States, and various other regional entities.