Authorities in Cambodia have detained a building owner in Poipet on allegations of leasing property to cybercrime operators, marking an escalation in the government's campaign against online fraud networks.

Um Sophal was taken into custody on August 21 for reportedly renting out facilities used for digital scam operations. He owns two structures in Kbal Spean I village, O'Chrov commune, located in Banteay Meanchey province near the border with Thailand. No formal charges have been filed yet, and the case remains under investigation.

During raids on Sophal's properties—a five-story building and a two-story structure—law enforcement discovered 223 individuals from eight different countries. The group included 200 foreign nationals and 23 Cambodian citizens.

Thai citizens made up the majority with 174 people, of whom 67 were women. Other nationalities present included 10 men from Bangladesh, eight Indonesian men, three women from the Philippines, two Chinese men, two people from India (one woman), and one Malaysian man. Among the Cambodians, 15 were women.

Foreign detainees were transported to the Kang Va center, provincial police headquarters, and Poipet municipal police offices for processing and continued legal proceedings. Officials have not disclosed whether those found on the premises were scam operators, willing participants, or potential trafficking victims.

Police confiscated devices believed to be connected to fraudulent online activities. Both buildings have been temporarily closed.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued stern warnings that Cambodia will not tolerate technology-driven fraud or transnational criminal activity. According to the anti-scam commission, he declared that the country is not a sanctuary for cybercriminals and promised the harshest penalties for anyone involved in such operations, with no leniency.

Recent data from the commission reveals that between July 2025 and August 2026, Cambodian authorities conducted raids on 663 sites suspected of hosting online scam activities. Of these, 86 alleged scam facilities were shut down and placed under government oversight as officials prepare asset forfeiture proceedings.

Additionally, more than $300 million in bank accounts tied to suspected illegal operations has been frozen, with other assets still under investigation.