Cambodia Launches Nationwide Casino Inspection Exposing Online Fraud Networks

Government authorities in Cambodia completed a full sweep of the country's 195 licensed casinos during a one-year operation running from June 2025 through June 2026, and the resulting report delivered clear numbers on involvement in online fraud schemes. Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith submitted the findings to the Cabinet meeting on 24 July 2026, after which Prime Minister Hun Manet noted the document marked progress in addressing reputational concerns tied to scam operations. The inspection covered every licensed venue and uncovered 72 casinos connected to online fraud activities while broader enforcement actions targeted hundreds of additional scam centers across the country.

Scale of Raids and Inspections

Officials carried out raids on 737 scam centers and conducted inspections at 28,500 separate locations throughout the campaign, and these efforts produced the data that formed the core of the final report. Teams examined physical sites alongside digital infrastructure that supported online operations, while authorities coordinated across multiple provinces to ensure consistent application of the crackdown measures. The volume of checks allowed investigators to map connections between licensed casinos and the wider network of fraud centers that had drawn international attention in recent years.

Observers note that the coordinated approach allowed different agencies to share intelligence in real time, which in turn helped identify patterns across the 72 casinos flagged in the report. Data collected during the operation showed how some licensed venues had provided cover for online fraud while others maintained separate but connected facilities. The figures also highlighted the role of foreign workers in staffing the centers, which explained the large number of deportations recorded by the end of the period.

Official Presentation of Findings

Prime Minister Hun Manet received the compiled report during the July 2026 Cabinet session and described it as evidence that Cambodia had taken concrete steps to address the issue. The document itself listed exact counts of inspected sites, license actions, and deportation totals, while also noting the number of court cases opened as a direct result of the operation. Government statements emphasized that the one-year timeframe had produced measurable outputs rather than simply extending existing enforcement programs. Those who reviewed the submission pointed out that the 72 casinos represented a significant portion of the total 195 licensed properties, which prompted the subsequent license reviews.

Broader Context of Enforcement

The crackdown formed part of ongoing efforts to separate legitimate casino operations from fraudulent online activities, and the inspection process provided the factual basis for future regulatory adjustments. Authorities maintained records of every raid and inspection so that follow-up actions could reference the original evidence collected between June 2025 and June 2026. The report's submission in July 2026 allowed the government to present a complete accounting of results achieved during the designated period. Hundreds of ongoing court cases continue to draw from the same body of evidence, which means additional outcomes may appear in coming months.

Conclusion

The one-year inspection program delivered a detailed accounting of casino involvement in online fraud through its examination of all 195 licensed properties and its parallel actions against 737 scam centers. With 72 casinos identified, dozens of licenses revoked or suspended, over 21,100 deportations completed, and hundreds of court cases initiated, the report submitted in July 2026 supplied the factual record that officials used to describe progress on the issue. The data compiled during the operation continues to support enforcement work while the government evaluates next steps based on the findings presented to the Cabinet.