Authorities in Phnom Penh have arrested seven people and seized more than 10,000 SIM cards along with hundreds of mobile phones and computers in a major operation targeting suspected scam activities. The crackdown took place on Thursday in Tonle Bassac commune, Chamkar Mon district, as authorities stepped up efforts to disrupt operations believed to be linked to online fraud. The operation was led by Chamkar Mon District Governor Keang Lark and focused on two properties in the capital.
The raid highlights the scale of equipment and telecommunications resources that can be used in suspected scam operations. According to Khmer Times, police also confiscated a large number of computers and mobile phones from the two locations, while the suspects were transferred to Phnom Penh Municipal Police for further processing and legal action.
Police Raid Two Properties in Phnom Penh
Authorities carried out the operation at two separate properties in Tonle Bassac commune. The first raid took place at a house inside Borey Riviera on Koh Pich, where officers discovered a significant amount of electronic equipment and foreign SIM cards.
Police confiscated 204 computers and 1,550 mobile phones from the property, in addition to a quantity of foreign SIM cards. The large volume of devices raised further concerns about the possible scale of activities being conducted from the location.
Second Location Yields More Phones and Computers
Officers also searched a second property at Borey Diamond One in Phnom Penh. The operation there resulted in the seizure of another 33 computers and 211 mobile phones.
Taken together, the equipment seized from both properties included 237 computers and 1,761 mobile phones, showing the substantial scale of the operation. The authorities are now expected to examine the seized equipment and other evidence as part of the ongoing legal process.
Seven People Arrested During the Crackdown
Seven people were arrested during the two raids. Those detained included three Cambodian nationals and four Chinese nationals, according to the report.
The suspects and all confiscated equipment were subsequently handed over to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police. They will face further questioning and legal proceedings as authorities investigate the alleged scam activities connected to the two locations.
Crackdown Reflects Growing Focus on Scam Operations
The Phnom Penh operation comes as Cambodian authorities continue taking action against locations suspected of being connected to online scams and other forms of technology based fraud. The seizure of thousands of SIM cards and large quantities of electronic equipment demonstrates the type of resources authorities are encountering during these operations.
For the public, the latest raid also underscores the importance of remaining cautious about suspicious calls, messages and online approaches. Telecommunications equipment and multiple SIM cards can be used in a range of legitimate activities, but authorities are increasingly examining their use when they are found alongside evidence of suspected criminal operations.
Investigation and Legal Action Continue
The seven suspects and the seized materials have now been transferred to Phnom Penh Municipal Police for further processing. Authorities will determine the next legal steps based on the evidence collected during the raids.
The investigation is expected to establish how the two properties were being used and whether the individuals arrested were directly involved in the suspected scam activities. Further action will depend on the findings of the authorities and the applicable law.