Chinese-led scam centre discovered in Cambodia amid border row with Thailand
Thai authorities have uncovered a new Chinese-led online scam centre in north-western Cambodia, highlighting how criminal networks are shifting operations amid a simmering border row between Cambodia and Thailand and an intensified Thai crackdown on cyber fraud.
The compound was identified in Malai city in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, an area increasingly seen as a refuge for scam syndicates displaced from more heavily policed border zones, according to a report by the Bangkok Post.
Thai police believe the centre was established after recent joint operations tightened the net around known scam hubs closer to Thailand.
According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirabhob Bhuridej, deputy commissioner of Thailand’s Anti-Cyber Scam Centre (ACSC) and assistant national police chief, the site lies around 50 kilometres from Poipet, a border township opposite Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province.
Poipet has long been linked to illicit online operations targeting victims across the region and beyond.
The newly discovered centre is still partially under construction and comprises several two-storey buildings with clearly separated workspaces and living quarters.
Inside the compound, investigators believe there are workers of multiple nationalities, including Thais, Indians and Indonesians, many of whom may have been trafficked or coerced into scam work.
Supervisory roles, however, are thought to be dominated by Chinese nationals.
Between December 28 and January 3 alone, Thai police recorded 6,369 scam-related cases, according to figures released by the ACSC. Authorities warn that these numbers likely represent only a fraction of the true impact.
This latest case of scam centres comes against the backdrop of heightened tension between Thailand and Cambodia over border management and law enforcement cooperation.
Analysts say the row has complicated efforts to pursue suspects across jurisdictions. Thai officials argue that criminal groups are exploiting these frictions to evade arrest and rebuild their operations.
“The situation shows that scam operations are becoming more severe and complex, and no country should be a safe haven for them,” Jirabhob said.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
