Cambodian police have arrested more than 800 foreigners in a major crackdown on a suspected online scam operation in Banteay Meanchey province.
One of those detained is a Malaysian national.
According to police, authorities conducted a raid on 12 March in the Malai district, during which they dismantled a suspected scam compound involved in various forms of telecommunications fraud.
A total of 811 people were detained during the operation, including 776 Vietnamese citizens, 34 Chinese nationals and one Malaysian.
Investigators said the group was believed to be involved in multiple online scams targeting victims. Officers also seized several devices and materials believed to be linked to the fraudulent operations.
Among the schemes uncovered was a so-called “romance scam”, in which suspects would build online relationships with victims before persuading them to participate in supposed product investments or trading opportunities.
Suspects allegedly engaged in prolonged, emotionally manipulative conversations to lure victims
Police said the scammers mainly used popular social media and messaging platforms, including TikTok, WhatsApp, Zalo, Telegram and Facebook, to approach potential targets.
Victims, many believed to be from Vietnam, were allegedly lured into trusting the scammers through extended conversations and emotional manipulation before being convinced to transfer money for fake investments or transactions, The Cambodia China Times reported.
Authorities also uncovered another disturbing tactic used by the group. Some suspects reportedly posted messages on social media claiming to be looking for people willing to sell their organs.
Once victims responded, they were allegedly deceived and, in some cases, forced to remain at certain locations where they were pressured to participate in online scams.
Police said these individuals were then instructed to continue contacting victims through communication apps such as Facebook and Signal as part of a wider fraud network.
Investigations into the case are ongoing, and Cambodian authorities said those involved will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
