Executive Summary
- Thousands of workers have fled or been released from Cambodian scam compounds following international pressure.
- The Indonesian embassy reported 1,440 nationals released, while Amnesty International verified escapes at 10 locations.
- The crackdown follows the arrest and extradition of tycoon Chen Zhi, who was sanctioned by the US and UK.
- Human rights groups warn that released workers face safety risks and potential re-trafficking due to a lack of support.
Thousands of individuals, including suspected victims of human trafficking, have been released or escaped from online scam compounds across Cambodia in recent days, according to government officials and human rights monitors. The mass exodus reportedly follows intensified international pressure to dismantle the multi-billion dollar illicit industry operating within the region.
The Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh confirmed to reporters that it had received reports regarding 1,440 of its nationals who were released from scam centers. Concurrently, Amnesty International stated it had geolocated and verified 15 videos and images showing escape attempts and large-scale releases at no fewer than 10 compounds. Observers also noted large queues of Chinese nationals gathering outside the Chinese embassy seeking assistance.
The United Nations estimates that approximately 100,000 people work inside these compounds in Cambodia, where many are allegedly duped into employment and subsequently forced to conduct online cryptocurrency and romance scams. Jacob Sims, a visiting fellow at Harvard University’s Asia Center, described the recent releases as unprecedented, attributing them directly to escalating diplomatic pressure from the United States and the United Kingdom.
This crackdown follows the October sanctions imposed by the US and UK against Chen Zhi, a Chinese-born Cambodian tycoon. US authorities have accused Chen of operating a transnational criminal empire through the Prince Group. Chen was arrested and extradited to China earlier this month, marking a significant escalation in law enforcement actions against the syndicates.
While Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet pledged on Facebook to eliminate cyber scams, the US Trafficking in Persons Report for 2024 alleged that some senior government officials have financially benefited from the industry. Montse Ferrer, Amnesty’s regional research director, expressed concern regarding the safety of the released workers, noting that without proper support, many risk being transferred to new scamming locations.
Transnational Enforcement Analysis
The dismantling of these operations highlights the potential impact of coordinated international sanctions and extradition treaties on cross-border cybercrime networks. However, the sudden displacement of thousands of workers presents a complex humanitarian challenge, as the lack of immediate systemic support leaves victims vulnerable to re-trafficking. The situation underscores the necessity for sustained diplomatic pressure to prevent the industry from reorganizing in jurisdictions with weaker oversight. It is important to note that Chen Zhi and all individuals accused of involvement in these criminal enterprises are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
