A recent report from Amnesty International has raised alarms about the Cambodian government's licensing of multiple casinos allegedly connected to online scam operations. This revelation comes at a time when the government has publicly asserted its commitment to combatting criminal activities related to online scams.
The human rights organization claims that at least a dozen casinos in Cambodia are directly associated with scamming operations, where serious crimes, including torture, forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking, have reportedly occurred. Among these establishments are three casinos owned by Kok An, a businessman with ties to organized crime and politics. An is described as a significant player in the cybercrime landscape, often linked to former Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The report, published on Thursday, references official documents from the Cambodian Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC), revealing that casino owners exert control over at least twelve locations where human rights violations have been documented. According to the findings, testimony from survivors corroborates claims of confinement and abuse occurring within these casino properties.
Claims Undermine Cybercrime Crackdown
Since 2025, Cambodia has touted thousands of arrests made during its crackdown on cybercrime, specifically targeting what are known as “pig butchering scams.” These scams often exploit unsuspecting individuals through online romance or cryptocurrency schemes, gradually gaining their trust before persuading them to invest in fraudulent ventures.
In the first two months of the year, Cambodia reported the closure of 190 scam centers, including 44 casinos implicated in fraudulent activities. The government even revoked licenses for four casinos linked to Prince Group Holdings, which is alleged to operate one of the largest online fraud enterprises globally. At its peak, this operation generated an estimated $30 million daily. The head of the company, Chen Zhi, was arrested in January and subsequently deported to China, where he faces multiple charges, including fraud and human trafficking.
The CGMC has touted its enforcement actions as evidence of its commitment to strengthening regulations within the commercial gaming sector and ensuring lawful operations.
New Scam Centers Replacing the Old
However, Amnesty International’s report casts doubt on the effectiveness of these measures. Montse Ferrer, Co-Regional Director for the organization, stated that the research establishes a clear connection between Cambodia's licensed casinos and the scamming operations. Despite the government's claims of dismantling the scamming industry, evidence points to a simultaneous recognition of casino properties being used for abusive practices.
Recently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime praised Cambodia for intensifying its efforts against cyber fraud, a significant issue estimated to be worth around $40 billion annually. Yet, Ferrer argues that the government must do more. He asserted, “If the government is serious about ending this slave-driven industry, it must investigate all scamming compounds in the country.”
Marjorie Preston
Marjorie began her gaming career in 2007 and has focused on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Outside of work, she writes about travel and film and plays the drums.
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