Summary
Cambodian authorities have arrested over 1,000 people in a crackdown on cyber-scam operations across five provinces. The raids follow a directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet to stop online scams, which often involve organized crime groups. Many arrested individuals were found in compounds where people were forced to carry out scams, tricking victims out of large amounts of money.
Key Facts
- Authorities conducted raids in at least five provinces in Cambodia.
- Over 1,000 people were arrested between Monday and Wednesday.
- The crackdown targets cyber-scam operations linked to organized crime.
- Many of these scams are run from compounds where workers are forced to participate.
- Prime Minister Hun Manet warned officials they could lose their jobs if they do not act against scams.
- Equipment like computers and mobile phones was seized during the raids.
- Those arrested included nationals from Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
- The UN estimates 100,000 people are enslaved in Cambodia's scam operations, part of a larger $40 billion scam network in Southeast Asia.
