Phnom Penh Governor Orders Police to Crack Down on Online Scams, Compile Data on Condo Residents

Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng has ordered a sweeping citywide crackdown on online scams, instructing police and local authorities across all 14 districts to intensify enforcement efforts and compile detailed data on residents living in high-rise buildings throughout the capital.

The directive was issued on the afternoon of February 7, 2026, during a meeting at Phnom Penh City Hall, signaling renewed urgency by city leaders to dismantle scam operations and restore public confidence in security and governance.

According to Mr. Khuong, the order applies to district authorities and police forces working in coordination with all 105 communes in Phnom Penh. He stressed that action must be immediate and sustained, particularly in areas already known to host online scam activities.

“In Phnom Penh alone, there are nearly 4,000 high-rise buildings with seven floors or more,” the governor said. “Authorities must compile clear and accurate statistics on condominium residents and tenants so that illegal activities can be identified and eliminated at their source.”

Focus on High-Rise Buildings

The governor’s comments reflect growing concern that online scam operations are increasingly operating from apartments and condominium complexes, which can provide anonymity and logistical cover for organized criminal networks.

Under the new directive, district and commune authorities are required to work together to collect resident data, including occupancy records and tenancy information, and consolidate it into a centralized system. Officials say the measure is intended to strengthen oversight, not to target lawful residents, but to close gaps exploited by cybercrime groups.

Mr. Khuong emphasized that accurate data collection is essential to effective enforcement, particularly in a city experiencing rapid urban growth and an influx of both domestic and foreign residents.

Government Stance on Illegal Economies

The crackdown comes amid a broader national push to eliminate what Cambodian leaders describe as the “gray and black economy.” Mr. Khuong made clear that the initiative has the full backing of Prime Minister Hun Manet.

“The Prime Minister absolutely does not accept the gray and black economy,” he said, urging all authorities to align their efforts with national policy and demonstrate tangible results on the ground.

He set a firm deadline of March 30, 2026, for authorities to show progress in suppressing and dismantling online scam operations in the capital. Failure to act decisively, he warned, would undermine public trust and damage Cambodia’s international image.

Expanded Enforcement Beyond Online Scams

In addition to targeting online fraud, the governor instructed police and local officials to intensify enforcement against all forms of illegal gambling. This includes cockfighting, unauthorized lotteries, and other underground betting activities that continue to operate in parts of the city despite long-standing prohibitions.

“These activities fuel broader criminal networks and undermine social order,” Mr. Khuong said. “They must be addressed with the same seriousness and determination.”

Authorities were also reminded of their responsibility to maintain security and public order in markets, residential neighborhoods, and on city streets. According to the governor, ensuring day-to-day safety remains a top priority and enjoys broad public support.

National Image and Public Confidence

Mr. Khuong framed the crackdown as not only a law enforcement issue but a matter of national reputation. Cambodia, he said, must demonstrate to its citizens and international partners that it is serious about combating cybercrime and illegal economic activity.

“All forces and authorities must work together with utmost determination and rigor,” he said. “This is about protecting the image of the nation and ensuring safety for the people.”

Local officials have been instructed to report regularly on enforcement actions and progress toward the March deadline. While authorities have not released specific figures on the number of ongoing investigations, the directive suggests a more coordinated and data-driven approach than previous efforts.

As Phnom Penh continues to expand vertically and digitally, the effectiveness of this crackdown will likely be closely watched—both by residents concerned about security and by observers assessing Cambodia’s broader fight against cybercrime.