Phnom Penh — Dozens of suspected cyber scam compounds in Cambodia remain operational despite months of government crackdowns, according to a new report released by Amnesty International, raising renewed concerns over human trafficking, forced labor, and organized cybercrime across Southeast Asia.
The rights organization said it identified at least 53 suspected scam compounds still functioning across Cambodia, including facilities linked to online fraud operations targeting victims worldwide. Amnesty accused Cambodian authorities of failing to dismantle major criminal networks despite repeated public promises and international pressure.
The report adds to mounting scrutiny over Cambodia’s role in the regional cyber scam industry, which investigators say generates billions of dollars annually through romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, fake investment schemes, and online extortion.
Amnesty Alleges Abuse Inside Scam Compounds
According to Amnesty International, many workers inside the compounds are victims of trafficking who were lured to Cambodia with promises of legitimate jobs before being forced into scam operations under threats, violence, or debt bondage.
The organization documented allegations of torture, beatings, arbitrary detention, and severe restrictions on movement inside several compounds. Some victims reportedly escaped by jumping from buildings or contacting relatives abroad for ransom payments.
Amnesty researchers stated that many compounds continue operating openly behind guarded walls, often protected by private security and surveillance systems. The report alleges some sites remain active even after previous police raids.
Cambodian Government Rejects Criticism
Cambodian authorities rejected parts of Amnesty’s findings and defended ongoing enforcement operations.
Government officials said security forces have conducted multiple raids in recent months, rescued trafficking victims, and arrested suspects linked to transnational scam networks. Cambodian police stated that cybercrime syndicates frequently relocate operations rapidly, complicating enforcement efforts.
Officials also accused some international organizations of exaggerating the scale of the problem and failing to recognize recent government action against organized crime.
However, Amnesty argued the persistence of so many compounds demonstrates “systemic failures” in enforcement and oversight.
Southeast Asia Scam Industry Under Global Scrutiny
Cyber scam compounds have become a major regional security issue across parts of Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.
The United Nations and multiple international law enforcement agencies have warned that organized criminal groups are exploiting trafficking victims to run industrial-scale fraud operations targeting people across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Victims are often recruited through fake employment advertisements promising customer service or technology jobs before passports are confiscated and coercion begins, according to investigators.
The UN estimated earlier this year that hundreds of thousands of people may be trapped in cyber scam compounds across Southeast Asia.
International Pressure Increasing
Human rights groups and foreign governments are increasingly pressuring Southeast Asian governments to intensify cross-border cooperation against trafficking and cyber fraud networks.
Several countries including Thailand, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines have conducted rescue operations and repatriation efforts involving citizens trafficked into Cambodian compounds.
Analysts say the scam industry’s enormous profits, combined with corruption concerns and weak regional enforcement coordination, continue to hinder efforts to fully dismantle the networks.
Amnesty International called for independent investigations, stronger victim protections, and greater accountability for officials allegedly linked to protecting scam operations.
Sources: Amnesty International, Reuters, Associated Press, United Nations reports, regional law enforcement statements.
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Tags: Cambodia Scam Centres, Amnesty International, Cyber Fraud, Human Trafficking, Southeast Asia Crime, Phnom Penh, Thailand News
News by The Vagabond News.
