PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has deported 119 Thai nationals, marking the latest development in a sweeping regional crackdown on illegal cyber-scam operations that have exploited thousands across Southeast Asia. The deportees, comprising 61 men and 58 women, were handed over to Thai authorities via the Poipet border checkpoint on March 1.
According to a statement by Cambodia’s immigration department, the Thai nationals had “snuck in to work and stayed illegally” in Cambodia. They were among 230 foreigners apprehended during coordinated raids on February 22 and 23 targeting alleged cyber-scam centres in the border city of Poipet. These operations are part of Cambodia’s intensified efforts, launched in late 2022, to dismantle illegal compounds used for fraudulent activities.
The cyber-scam centres, which have proliferated across Southeast Asia in recent years, typically operate as high-pressure “scam hothouses.” Workers are often recruited under false pretenses, drawn in by promises of lucrative employment, only to find themselves effectively imprisoned. Many have reported having their passports confiscated and being coerced into conducting online scams, including romance and cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting unsuspecting victims worldwide.
Victims of Transnational Crime
The impact of these scams has been far-reaching. Many of the workers who ended up in these compounds were not only from Thailand but also from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other nations in the region. The victims of the scams themselves were often individuals abroad who were deceived into sending money or investing in fraudulent ventures.
The operation in Poipet was part of a broader regional initiative. On the same day as the Thai deportations, Jakarta announced the repatriation of 84 Indonesian nationals from Myanmar who had similarly been exploited by cyber-scam networks. This follows the earlier return of 46 Indonesians in February, bringing the total repatriated Indonesians to 140 in recent weeks.
Political Push Against Scammers
The Thai government has also ramped up its efforts to combat these criminal networks. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the border town of Sa Kaeo on February 28, pledging to “eliminate call centre gangs” and safeguard Thai citizens from exploitation. Her visit underscored the urgency of tackling transnational crime and strengthening border security.
A Growing Threat
The illegal operations, often run by transnational crime syndicates, target vulnerable job seekers. Thousands of individuals across Southeast Asia have been drawn in by the prospect of better-paying jobs abroad, only to find themselves trapped in scam operations where they are forced to commit financial fraud against international targets. The scams, often conducted through social engineering tactics, have led to significant financial losses for victims globally.
Authorities from several countries are collaborating closely, sharing intelligence, and coordinating law enforcement actions to dismantle these networks. The ongoing crackdown is expected to lead to more arrests and repatriations as governments strive to protect their citizens and restore trust in digital communications and investments. (zai)