Over 400 Indonesians freed in Cambodia scam crackdown after arrest of alleged syndicate boss sparks exodus

More than 400 Indonesians were freed from cyberscam networks in Cambodia this month following a renewed government crackdown on the illicit industry, sparked by the arrest of an alleged syndicate boss.

Scam operations across Southeast Asia have long targeted victims worldwide through fake romance schemes and fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, generating tens of billions of dollars annually.

While some workers participate voluntarily, many others are trafficked and forced to carry out scams under coercive conditions.

The United Nations estimates that at least 100,000 people are employed by online scam networks in Cambodia alone.

Embassy sees surge as syndicates release workers

Hundreds of foreign nationals have left suspected scam compounds across Cambodia this month after Phnom Penh pledged to tackle issues linked to online fraud.

According to Indonesia’s ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto, recent law enforcement actions prompted many online scam syndicates to release their workers.

Between 1 and 18 January, 440 Indonesians sought assistance at the Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh after being released, many hoping to return home.

The embassy expects more Indonesians to arrive from provincial areas as the crackdown continues.

Those seeking help had varied backgrounds. Some had been involved in online scams for years, while others had arrived in Cambodia only months earlier.

Some still retained their passports, while others had their documents confiscated by syndicates.

There were also cases of overstayed visas, alongside individuals with valid residence permits who hoped to find alternative employment in Cambodia.

Santo said the embassy would expedite repatriation processes but stressed that Indonesians were being directed to return home independently.

He also warned against involvement in criminal activities overseas.

Workers flee compounds as police close in

On Monday morning, dozens of people, some carrying suitcases, were seen queuing outside the Indonesian embassy, AFP reported.

An 18-year-old Indonesian from Sumatra said he had fled a compound in Bavet city, near Cambodia’s border with Vietnam.

He explained that he had been forced to scam people online for eight months without pay, despite being promised a monthly salary of US$600.

He added that his passport was held by a Chinese boss and that he had come to the embassy to request a replacement after arriving in Phnom Penh the previous day.

Workers were reportedly released after syndicate operators learned that police were preparing to enter the compound.

Chinese embassy queues and high-profile arrest

AFP also reported that around 100 people were seen lining up outside the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh on Monday afternoon.

Asked about the situation, China’s foreign ministry said it places great importance on the safety of Chinese citizens overseas.

Earlier this month, Cambodian authorities arrested and deported Chinese-born tycoon Chen Zhi to China.

Chen, a former adviser to the Cambodian government, is accused of running internet scam operations from Cambodia and was indicted by United States authorities in October.