Cambodia's Nationwide Casino Inspections Uncover Fraud Links Across 72 Licensed Venues

Otto Wolf · Jul 30, 2026

Cambodia's Nationwide Casino Inspections Uncover Fraud Links Across 72 Licensed Venues

Cambodian casino exterior during government inspection operations Cambodia carried out inspections across all 195 licensed casinos as part of efforts to address online scams, and the resulting one-year report covering June 2025 through June 2026 showed that 72 of those venues had ties to online fraud activities. The findings emerged from coordinated raids on 737 online scam centers along with inspections at 28,500 separate locations, which produced 19 license revocations, 30 suspensions, and the deportation of more than 21,100 foreign nationals. Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith submitted the full report to a Cabinet meeting on July 24, 2026, while Prime Minister Hun Manet characterized the overall operation as a major step forward that benefited from stronger international cooperation.

Scope of the Inspection Program

Authorities examined every licensed casino operating in the country, applying uniform standards to detect any involvement in digital fraud schemes. The inspection process extended beyond casino floors to cover associated facilities, and data collected during these reviews formed the core of the annual report. Teams documented evidence of online scam operations at 72 sites, which represented a significant portion of the total 195 venues under review. Officials coordinated the work across multiple provinces, ensuring that both urban and rural properties received equal scrutiny throughout the twelve-month period.

Raids and Location Inspections

Alongside the casino checks, enforcement units conducted raids on 737 online scam centers that often operated in connection with gaming licenses. These operations took place at sites ranging from small residential compounds to larger commercial buildings, and inspectors visited a total of 28,500 locations to verify compliance. Each raid yielded records, equipment, and other materials that linked certain casino operations to broader fraud networks. The scale of the inspections required collaboration among several government agencies, which shared intelligence and resources to maintain momentum across all regions.

License Actions and Enforcement Outcomes

Following the inspections, regulators revoked licenses at 19 casinos after confirming their participation in online fraud. Another 30 venues received suspensions while further investigations continued. These measures removed operators from the market and sent clear signals about acceptable business practices within the licensed sector. The report tracked each revocation and suspension with supporting documentation, allowing officials to monitor long-term compliance trends and adjust future oversight protocols accordingly.

Government officials reviewing casino inspection documents in Cambodia

Deportation Figures and Foreign National Involvement

More than 21,100 foreign nationals faced deportation after authorities determined their roles in scam operations tied to the inspected casinos. Many of these individuals had entered the country under work permits or investor visas linked to gaming businesses. Deportation proceedings followed standard legal channels, and records showed that the majority originated from neighboring countries where recruitment networks for online fraud had become established. The volume of removals reflected the breadth of foreign participation uncovered during the twelve-month review period.

Report Submission and Government Statements

Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith presented the compiled findings to the Cabinet on July 24, 2026, summarizing both the inspection results and the enforcement actions taken. Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that the report represented progress in the ongoing campaign against online scams, and he highlighted the value of enhanced international cooperation that supported cross-border information sharing. The document itself detailed every stage of the process, from initial planning through final outcomes, providing a comprehensive record for future reference.

International Cooperation Elements

Officials credited improved coordination with foreign governments and law enforcement bodies for accelerating several key phases of the crackdown. Joint efforts helped identify scam centers that spanned national borders and facilitated the collection of evidence used in license revocation cases. The report recorded specific instances where international data exchanges led directly to successful raids and deportations. This level of collaboration marked a shift from earlier enforcement patterns and contributed to the overall volume of actions completed within the reporting year.

Conclusion

The one-year report delivered a clear accounting of Cambodia's inspection campaign against online fraud connected to licensed casinos. With 72 of 195 venues implicated, authorities carried out extensive raids, location checks, license actions, and deportations that together addressed a substantial portion of the identified problems. The July 24, 2026 Cabinet presentation and statements from senior leadership underscored the operation's scope while pointing to continued international partnerships as a foundation for subsequent work.