May 14, 2026
PHNOM PENH – More than 50 Chinese and Cambodian nationals have been charged in connection with online scam and money laundering cases uncovered in Tbong Khmum, Preah Sihanouk and Battambang provinces. The majority have been placed in pre-trial detention, although some senior members of the criminal organisations behind the operations remain at large.
According to a May 11 statement, the Tbong Khmum Provincial Court opened criminal cases against 40 suspects — 38 Chinese and two Cambodians — for their roles in cyber fraud activities conducted at the “7 House Condo” building in Trapaing Phlong I village, Trapaing Phlong commune, Ponhea Krek district.
Among them, 21 Chinese were charged with online fraud, while another seven were charged with organising a cyber scam centre, under Cambodia’s new anti-scam legislation, as well as immigration offenses, for entering Cambodia illegally during 2025 and 2026.
Another four Chinese were charged with online scam offenses, while an additional suspect was charged with conspiracy under the anti-cyber fraud law.
Five more Chinese nationals were also charged with conspiracy, along with immigration offenses tied to unlawful entry into Cambodia.
A Chinese national who reportedly holds Cambodian citizenship, Xu liang Cai, the alleged owner of the site, remains at large. He was charged with organising a cyber scam centre and money laundering. Authorities allege the operation may have begun as early as 2024.
A court spokesman noted that the 40 suspects who were arrested are being held in pre-trial detention, while a manhunt is underway for their accomplices who slipped the net.
Ina separate case, a Battambang Provincial Court statement noted that officials from the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams raided the Eagle King Casino in Doung village, Boeng Reang commune, Kamrieng district, arresting nine Chinese and three Cambodians. Authorities believe the operation had been running since March.
The nine Chinese suspects have been charged with online fraud offenses, with Hu Liang and Wang Huabing held in custody. The three Cambodians were charged with conspiracy.
Another Chinese national, identified as Aydin Cm, remains at large. Authorities have seized 13 bank accounts and nine properties suspected of being linked to criminal proceeds. He has been charged with organising or leading a cyber scam operation and money laundering.
Two Chinese and one Cambodian were ordered detained by the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court in connection with online scam and money laundering offenses allegedly committed at a townhouse in Group 17, Village 5, Sangkat No. 4, Sihanoukville, between January and April 26.
Chinese nationals Yang Hong Peng and Peng Yao Wei have been charged with organised online fraud and money laundering, while Cambodian national Siek Leav faces conspiracy charges.
A court spokesperson noted that authorities continue to search for their accomplices.