July 23, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto has expressed his gratitude to the Cambodian government and its authorities for their cooperation in rescuing Indonesian citizens from scam operations and facilitating their return to their home country. His Malaysian counterpart has also shared his support for the Kingdom’s efforts to rescue trafficking victims from online scam centres.
The current operation to dismantle online scam networks in Cambodia is going ahead full steam, with approximately 3,000 people arrested. The latest bust saw over 160 individuals taken into custody in two provinces on July 21.
Santo met with Chhay Sinarith, who leads the secretariat of the Ad Hoc Commission to Combat Online Scams, on the morning of July 21, according to the Ministry of Information.
During the meeting, Sinarith noted that online scams are a widespread issue which affects many countries. He reiterated the government’s strong commitment and determination to combat such crimes. He informed the ambassador of Cambodia’s resolve to eliminate technology-based scams nationwide and stressed the importance of international cooperation in these joint efforts.
Santo agreed that technology-based scams are a global issue, adding that the Indonesian embassy in Cambodia is always ready to provide support and cooperation to Cambodia’s efforts.
On the same day, Sinarith met with Shaharuddin bin Onn, Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia. Both parties discussed Cambodia’s efforts to crack down on online scams.
According to the information ministry, the ambassador “expressed confidence in the Royal Government’s commitment and efforts to eliminate technology-based scams and thanked the Cambodian government for rescuing Malaysian citizens in the past”.
He also affirmed that the Malaysian embassy and government will provide support and cooperation for Cambodia’s endeavours.
The latest crackdowns occurred on July 21, when Siem Reap provincial authorities raided a rented villa and arrested 13 Nepalese nationals in Knar Village, Chreav Commune, Siem Reap City.
On the same day, authorities in Mondulkiri province dismantled an online scam operation in Puchab village, Dak Dam commune, O’Raing district, detaining a total of 149 individuals of 13 different nationalities.