Amnesty International has revealed findings tying twelve casinos in Cambodia to illicit cybercrime activities and human rights violations. This report challenges the Cambodian government’s recent claims of intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal scam operations within its borders. According to Amnesty’s research, which was released on Thursday, these establishments have been implicated in severe offenses, including torture, forced and child labor, and human trafficking. The casinos identified in the report are situated in prominent areas such as Sihanoukville and Poipet, known for attracting significant numbers of Thai patrons.
The publication comes despite Cambodian authorities’ assertions of a robust crackdown on cybercrime since 2025, which reportedly led to thousands of arrests and the shutdown of numerous scam centers. This includes the closure of 190 facilities, among them 44 casinos alleged to have participated in fraudulent activities. Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) provided licensing documents that reportedly show casino owners controlling the locations where these abuses were documented. Notably, some of these casinos are allegedly linked to Kok An, a notable figure in Cambodian business and politics, who faces accusations of being involved in cybercrime.
The Cambodian government’s efforts in combating cybercrime were highlighted by the arrest and extradition of Chen Zhi, linked to Prince Group Holdings, to China where he faces charges including fraud and money laundering. However, Amnesty International’s report raises questions about the effectiveness of these enforcement actions, suggesting new scam centers may be emerging to replace those shut down.
Montse Ferrer, Co-Regional Director for Amnesty, pointed out the contradiction between the Cambodian government’s public commitment to dismantling scam operations and the ongoing recognition and licensing of casino properties where these activities reportedly persist. The report criticizes the insufficiency of current measures and calls for more thorough investigations into all compounds suspected of harboring such illicit activities.
While the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has commended Cambodia for its efforts to combat cyber fraud, which generates an estimated $40 billion annually, Amnesty International argues that further action is crucial. The organization emphasizes the need for comprehensive investigations and a more aggressive stance against the systemic issues enabling these abuses.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Cambodian authorities will respond to these allegations and whether they will intensify their regulatory and enforcement efforts. The findings prompt a call for greater scrutiny from international watchdogs and a reevaluation of the current regulatory framework governing the gambling sector in the country. The response from the market and international community will likely influence the trajectory of Cambodia’s commercial gaming sector and its broader implications for regional and global anti-cybercrime initiatives.
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