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 scam groups. This includes the conglomerate Prince Group.
Prince Group chairman Chen Zhi, the alleged mastermind of scam operations, was arrested in Cambodia. He was sent back to China in January.
The minister said criminal money is often laundered through legitimate businesses. He said officials must investigate the full financial network behind these groups.
Authorities are looking into about 30 Prince Group subsidiaries. They are also examining offshore assets in Singapore, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said Cambodia must properly screen and identify people released from scam centers as trafficking victims.
She also called for an independent and transparent investigation into ruling party lawmakers and powerful business figures suspected of backing the scams. She said this is needed to keep abusive compounds from returning.
Officials say stronger inspections and management rules will now be placed on casino sites. The goal is to make sure licensed venues follow the law and do not serve as channels for online fraud.
