There was quite a stir over at the Nobel Hotel this afternoon when police rolled in to raid a room, hauling away three Chinese men and a woman on the spot. Officers cleared out a massive stash of phones and laptops—the usual calling card of another telecom scam or online gambling ring getting busted.
To be honest, crackdowns like this are old news in Phnom Penh these days. Locals and expats are so used to the sight that people on motos don't even bother slowing down to look. Landlords around town have gotten super strict too; when renting out apartments now, they practically want your entire family history just to make sure they won't end up having to drink tea down at the police station when the cops show up with guns drawn.
Local media reported the raid was part of ongoing routine operations, and we'll have to wait for the official statement to get the exact details. But anyone trying to make a quick buck here knows the game is getting riskier by the day—and sooner or later, you won't even be able to sleep peacefully at night.
