Cambodia scam centres under pressure as thousands escape

Published: 21 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Thousands of workers have fled Cambodia scam centres in recent days, marking a dramatic shift in a crisis long hidden behind guarded compounds. The sudden movement follows mounting international pressure and intensified scrutiny from human rights groups, diplomats, and foreign governments. Cambodia scam centres have become synonymous with modern exploitation, drawing global attention as images of escape and release spread rapidly across social media platforms. Within days, embassies reported unprecedented numbers of distressed nationals seeking help, revealing the scale of an industry that has thrived largely unchecked.

The Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh confirmed that more than 1,400 Indonesian nationals reported release or escape from Cambodia scam centres. At the same time, long queues of Chinese citizens formed outside the Chinese embassy, many visibly exhausted and fearful. Diplomats described scenes of confusion as former workers searched for food, shelter, and guidance. The images, verified by international observers, underscored the human cost behind a lucrative online fraud industry operating across Southeast Asia.

Amnesty International said it had verified at least fifteen videos and images showing escape attempts and releases from ten different Cambodia scam centres. Analysts used geolocation technology and cross-referenced social media posts to confirm authenticity. The organisation estimated that total numbers released or escaped were likely in the thousands, though exact figures remain uncertain. Researchers stressed that the sudden movement appeared uncoordinated, raising concerns about safety and long-term protection for survivors.

Questions remain about the role of Cambodian police during the releases. Amnesty’s regional research director, Montse Ferrer, noted that police were visible in some footage but absent in others. This inconsistency has fuelled speculation about whether authorities facilitated releases or simply failed to intervene. Ferrer warned that without structured support, many survivors risk being re-trafficked into other Cambodia scam centres or similar operations elsewhere in the region.

Reports from the ground suggest that some former workers wandered streets searching for assistance, while others found refuge in temporary safe houses. Aid workers fear that gaps in protection could undo progress made by the recent escapes. Past crackdowns in the region often resulted in workers being quietly transferred between compounds rather than freed. The current situation, while hopeful, remains fragile.

The online scam industry in Cambodia has expanded rapidly over the past decade, driven by weak regulation and high profits. United Nations estimates suggest around 100,000 people work inside compounds nationwide. Many were lured by promises of legitimate employment, only to be detained, abused, and forced into online fraud schemes. These included romance scams, fake investments, and cryptocurrency fraud targeting victims worldwide.

Experts say the scale of recent escapes from Cambodia scam centres is unprecedented. Jacob Sims, a visiting fellow at Harvard University’s Asia Center, described the moment as a turning point. He said international pressure, particularly from Western governments, reached a critical level in late 2025. According to Sims, decisive actions taken by the United Kingdom and United States signalled that tolerance for the industry was ending.

A key development came with sanctions imposed on Chen Zhi, a Chinese-born Cambodian tycoon accused of orchestrating a transnational scam empire. The UK and US alleged his networks generated billions through online investment fraud. Chen chaired Prince Group, a major conglomerate with extensive holdings across Cambodia. His arrest and extradition to China earlier this month marked the strongest action yet against powerful figures linked to Cambodia scam centres.

The Cambodian government has remained largely silent on the recent releases. Requests for official comment went unanswered, adding to concerns about transparency. However, Prime Minister Hun Manet posted a public pledge on social media promising to eliminate cyber scam crimes. His statement acknowledged the severity of the problem but offered few details about enforcement or victim support.

Observers caution that statements alone will not dismantle an industry deeply embedded in local economies. Sims warned that scam operations have become a significant financial resource for powerful networks. He argued that without sustained international oversight, Cambodia scam centres could quickly resume operations under new names or locations. The resilience of these networks, he said, should not be underestimated.

Allegations of government complicity have long shadowed Cambodia’s response to trafficking and cybercrime. The United States Trafficking in Persons Report for 2024 painted a stark picture, warning that senior officials and advisers benefited from properties used by scam operators. The report suggested selective enforcement hindered genuine efforts to combat trafficking, undermining public trust.

Cambodian authorities have repeatedly denied these claims. Officials insist the government neither supports nor tolerates cybercriminal activity. Statements emphasise commitments to transparency, rule of law, and international cooperation. Yet critics argue that meaningful change requires independent investigations and accountability at the highest levels.

Financial incentives remain a powerful driver behind Cambodia scam centres. Estimates by the United States Institute of Peace suggest cyber scams generate more than twelve billion dollars annually in Cambodia, equivalent to half the country’s formal gross domestic product. Such figures highlight why dismantling the industry poses significant political and economic challenges.

For survivors, the future remains uncertain. Many face stigma, debt, and trauma after months or years of forced labour. Embassies and aid groups are racing to provide assistance, but resources are stretched. Human rights advocates stress that long-term rehabilitation, legal pathways, and compensation are essential to prevent further exploitation.

The international community now faces a critical test. Sustained pressure, coordinated sanctions, and victim-centred policies could weaken Cambodia scam centres permanently. Without them, recent escapes risk becoming a temporary disruption rather than lasting change. As the world watches, the fate of thousands who fled captivity may determine whether this moment becomes a true turning point.

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