Throughout August, Cambodia’s National Police and General Department of Immigration had their hands full. Backed by a major push from the Ministry of Interior, authorities swept through the country and cracked down on 85 underground scam compounds tucked away in various corners. Over 1,200 suspects were rounded up, representing 13 different nationalities. Among them were more than 700 Chinese nationals, over 300 Vietnamese, along with a mix of locals and citizens from other countries.
The arrests were quickly followed by swift deportations. Last month alone, immigration authorities packed off more than 2,000 illegal foreigners to dozens of countries and territories, including over 500 tied to online scams. To completely cut off their escape routes, the Chinese Embassy worked hand-in-hand with local authorities to coordinate three consecutive charter flights, sending hundreds of Chinese nationals straight back home, many of them scam suspects.
Security has definitely tightened up on the streets lately, with police checkpoints popping up more frequently. Locals have been chatting among themselves, saying that no matter how deep these scammers try to hide, they cannot escape such a thorough, fine-toothed comb. Life goes on as usual, but everyone is hoping these shady operations will clear out so people can just go about their small businesses in peace.
