TLDR Cambodia plans to target licensed casinos suspected of acting as fronts for online scams. Officials say all large-scale scam compounds in the country have been dismantled. State media reports that all 195 licensed casinos were audited, and several were suspended. Investigators are probing about 30 Prince Group subsidiaries and offshore assets. Human Rights Watch is calling for better victim screening and an independent investigation.
Cambodian authorities plan to target licensed casinos suspected of acting as fronts for online scams. The move extends a yearlong crackdown that has focused on physical scam compounds.
Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith spoke Wednesday evening at an anti-scam conference in Phnom Penh. He said the next step must involve action on casinos.
He said some licensed casinos are suspected of links to online scams and gambling. Because they hold licenses, these businesses can hide behind a legal shell.
The minister said authorities must restrict casinos and bring stronger management and inspection to their sites.
Crackdown Moves Beyond Scam Compounds
The shift comes after Cambodia said it had fully dismantled all large-scale scam compounds in the country. The enforcement drive led to the deportation of thousands of foreign nationals.
Over the past year, authorities raided hundreds of sites. State media reported that all 195 licensed casinos in the country were audited.
Several casinos linked to illegal operations were suspended after the audit.
Cambodia’s gaming sector grew more than a decade ago with Chinese investment and property speculation. An online gambling ban, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, hurt tourism.
Criminal groups then turned resorts, condos, and casinos into large scam compounds. The new phase of enforcement aims to stop these venues from being used for fraud again.
Investigators Follow the Money
Chhay Sinarith said investigators are widening financial probes into companies tied to alleged