Story perspectives

Amnesty: Cambodia Scam Crackdown Hits Only 24 of 86 Sites

6/9/2026

50 6

Summary

Story summary

Amnesty International’s June 8 report says Cambodia’s anti-scam crackdown left most online fraud compounds untouched, contradicting government claims.
The group identified 86 compounds and found police intervened at only 24 locations.
Sinarith called the report selective and said arrests, asset seizures and dismantling happen nationwide.
Amnesty said survivors reported abuse, including rape, and criticised authorities for treating released victims as irregular migrants rather than trafficking victims.

History

Historical Context

The UN adopted the Palermo Protocol on 15 November 2000, entering into force on 29 September 2003, and today 193 states are parties, with UNODC overseeing implementation. The protocol obliges signatories to criminalise trafficking and support victims. Cambodia’s 2024 crackdown on scam compounds, criticized by Amnesty International, tests that legacy, as only 24 of 86 sites were inspected.

1 of 2

Story summary

Amnesty International’s June 8 report says Cambodia’s anti-scam crackdown left most online fraud compounds untouched, contradicting government claims.
The group identified 86 compounds and found police intervened at only 24 locations.
Sinarith called the report selective and said arrests, asset seizures and dismantling happen nationwide.
Amnesty said survivors reported abuse, including rape, and criticised authorities for treating released victims as irregular migrants rather than trafficking victims.

1 / 2