ABA PayWay: Cambodia’s First Local Payment Gateway Officially Integrated with Shopify.

Cambodia’s digital commerce just reached a major milestone. ABA Bank, the nation’s leading digital financial institution, has successfully integrated ABA PayWay with Shopify, making it the first-ever Cambodian payment gateway officially available on the world’s most popular e-commerce platform. This breakthrough empowers Cambodian online entrepreneurs and small business owners to sell products and services more professionally, securely, and globally without relying on foreign payment systems.

Seamless, Secure, and Localized Payments

With ABA PayWay now on Shopify, Cambodian merchants can easily set up online stores and accept multiple payment methods, including ABA KHQR, ABA Mobile, Visa, Mastercard, WeChat Pay, UPI, and JCB. All transactions are securely settled directly into merchants’ ABA Bank accounts, eliminating third-party delays and high international fees. The system is built on advanced security standards, including data encryption, 3DS 2.0 protocol, and PCI DSS compliance, ensuring safe and reliable checkout for every transaction.

🎉 Great news for online businesses in Cambodia!
ABA PayWay is now on Shopify, the world’s biggest e-commerce platform, helping Cambodian merchants accept payments directly into their ABA account – no foreign gateways needed.
Enjoy multiple payment options such as ABA PAY, KHQR, Cards, and WeChat – Fast, Simple, and Secure.
🚀ABA PayWay is proud to be the first Cambodian payment gateway integrated with Shopify, helping you grow your online store and get paid faster than ever. ABA annoucement

For Online Entrepreneurs in Cambodia

If you’re an online entrepreneur in Cambodia, you can easily accept payments from Cambodian customers through ABA Mobile, KHQR, Visa, Mastercard, WeChat Pay, and other supported methods. However, to use this service, you’ll need to sign an agreement with ABA Bank.

Read more: How Cambodia’s banking system remained strong and resilient?

If your business (online entrepreneur) operates as dropshipping or Print-on-Demand (POD), ABA also requires you to provide an authorized letter or contract from your suppliers to ensure business legitimacy. This step helps protect both merchants and customers, ensuring smoother transactions and higher trust across the local e-commerce ecosystem.

For Registered Business Owners in Cambodia

For officially registered companies, ABA PayWay extends even more benefits. Once your business is registered, you can use ABA PayWay to receive payments from international markets, allowing you to sell globally through Shopify. This means Cambodian brands can reach international customers while managing all transactions securely through their ABA Bank accounts, bringing Cambodia’s e-commerce one step closer to global competitiveness.

Designed for Cambodia’s E-Commerce Growth

Before this integration, Cambodian Shopify users had limited local payment options and often depended on foreign gateways that were expensive and difficult to maintain. ABA PayWay changes that—providing a locally optimized, cost-effective, and trusted solution tailored to Cambodia’s unique business environment. Whether you’re a small startup or a fast-growing enterprise, ABA PayWay ensures smoother financial management with all funds conveniently received in your ABA account.

Read more: How Did QR Code Fraud Turn Riel Payments into Dollars?

Empowering Cambodia’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

According to Zokhir Rasulov, ABA’s Chief Digital Officer, the integration is “a game-changer for Cambodia’s entrepreneurial community.” He emphasized that it allows local businesses to access a world-class e-commerce platform with trusted local payment solutions, helping them sell more efficiently both locally and internationally.

Rasulov added, “At ABA, we believe in empowering the next generation of business owners with the right digital tools. This collaboration will accelerate e-commerce adoption, promote financial inclusion, and contribute to Cambodia’s growing digital economy.”

A New Era for Online Businesses in Cambodia

As an award-winning payment gateway trusted by thousands of local businesses, ABA PayWay continues to lead Cambodia’s fintech innovation. Its partnership with Shopify reaffirms ABA’s mission to make digital business accessible, inclusive, and globally competitive. For Cambodian entrepreneurs, this integration marks not just a technical upgrade but a new era of opportunity to reach international markets with confidence.

Love Scam Raid in Phnom Penh: 17 Foreigners Arrested for Online Fraud Operations.

What is a Love Scam?

A love scam is a manipulative cyber-fraud scheme in which a perpetrator uses the pretense of romance or emotional connection to exploit individuals for financial or personal gain. Typically the scam begins with a friendly message via social media or a dating app, quickly escalates into declarations of affection or deep emotional interest, and then the victim is coerced, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly into sending money, sharing personal information, or investing in bogus opportunities. In places like Cambodia, these scams can be particularly insidious as they often involve international networks, complex technology setups, and victims who are isolated or emotionally vulnerable, making it critical for people to spot warning signs such as requests for cash, reluctance to meet in person, or rapid pushes toward “investment” schemes masquerading as love.

A major anti-fraud operation in Cambodia’s capital led to the arrest of 17 foreign nationals suspected of running an elaborate “love scam” network. The operation took place on October 17, 2025, at LH Residence, Building No. 13, Street 9, Tonle Bassac, Chamkarmon District, following an investigation by the Chamkarmon District Administrative Unity Command in coordination with the Deputy Prosecutor of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.

What Happened?

Authorities raided the premises after receiving intelligence about suspicious online activity. Inside the building, they discovered a large-scale scam operation equipped with 109 computers, 103 phones, and one monitor used to target victims through fake online relationships and investment schemes. The police arrested 14 Vietnamese nationals (including three women) and three Indonesian men.

Experts confirmed that the site functioned as a hub for investment fraud, romance scams, and online deceit targeting foreign victims. The confiscated evidence and suspects were transferred to the Phnom Penh Police Commissionerate for further legal action.

➡️ Read more: Phnom Penh Court Detains Chinese National for Online Scam Case

Who Was Involved?

The suspects, all foreign nationals, allegedly participated in online schemes designed to emotionally manipulate victims into sending money or investing in fake projects. The joint task force’s swift intervention reflects Cambodia’s ongoing commitment to combat cross-border cybercrime.

Authorities emphasized that this crackdown is part of a nationwide campaign to eliminate technology-related fraud, with a focus on romance scams and digital deception that exploit social media and dating platforms.

➡️ Read more: How Did Telegram Become a Tool for Online Investment Fraud in Cambodia?

Solutions and Prevention

This incident highlights the growing need for public awareness around online scams. To protect yourself:

• Never share personal or financial information with online acquaintances you’ve never met in person.
• Be cautious of emotional manipulation or promises of quick financial returns.
• Verify online investment platforms through official sources before transferring money.
• Report suspicious online behavior to local authorities or cybercrime hotlines.

By staying informed and vigilant, internet users can reduce their risk of falling victim to scams like these.

Read more: Who Is Chen Zhi — and Why Did the U.S and U.K Accuse Him of a $15 B Global Scam?

What Can You Learn?

The Phnom Penh “love scam” case serves as a reminder that online relationships can be exploited for criminal gain. Scammers often prey on emotional vulnerability, making it vital for users to recognize warning signs such as sudden requests for money, rushed romantic gestures, or inconsistent online identities.

Conclusion

The October 17 raid in Chamkarmon District demonstrates Cambodia’s strong stance against cybercrime and its efforts to maintain digital security. The arrests mark a step forward in dismantling international scam networks operating within the country. Citizens are encouraged to remain cautious online and cooperate with authorities in reporting any suspicious activity to help build a safer digital community.

Phnom Penh-based Prince Group has recently been branded a transnational criminal syndicate by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Treasury, with its founder and chairman Chen Zhi (still at large) indicted on charges of running scam operations and laundering billions across 30 countries.

Chen Zhi, the founder of Prince Holding Group (incorporated in Cambodia), is accused by U.S. authorities of operating forced-labor compounds in Cambodia and masterminding a global financial network built on fraud, money laundering, and illicit financial flows.

What is Prince Group — and who is Chen Zhi?

The enterprise widely branded as Prince Group was founded in 2015 and holds subsidiaries across real estate, hospitality, banking, e-commerce, and other sectors. The U.S. government claims the group hides behind “dozens of business entities” across more than 30 nations and has evolved into one of Asia’s largest criminal networks.

Chen Zhi is a 37-year-old originally from mainland China, now a naturalized Cambodian citizen (and allegedly also holding a UK passport, though this is disputed). The U.S. and UK have imposed sanctions against him, and he faces indictment in the United States.

A civil forfeiture complaint was lodged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the DOJ National Security Division seeking seizure of 127,271 Bitcoin (worth about $15 billion) as proceeds or tools of his alleged fraud and money laundering operations. According to U.S. authorities, these assets were stored in “unhosted cryptocurrency wallets,” whose private keys were supposedly held by Chen Zhi — and are now in the custody of the U.S. government.

The State Department described this as the “largest ever forfeiture action” in the history of the Justice Department. Chen Zhi is indicted but presumed innocent until proven guilty; if convicted, he faces up to 40 years behind bars.

The UK Embassy in Phnom Penh has stated that Zhi does not hold a UK passport.

Why is this significant — what you need to know

Criminal model & financial mechanics

In U.S. filings, Prince Group is said to have worked under Chen Zhi’s instructions to employ advanced cryptocurrency laundering methods; for instance, “spraying” and “funneling,” in which large sums of crypto are fragmented across many addresses and then recombined, to disguise their origin.

According to the U.S. State Department:

“Some of these criminal proceeds were ultimately held in wallets at cryptocurrency exchanges or exchanged for traditional currency and stored in traditional bank accounts.
“Other criminal proceeds included the Defendant Cryptocurrency, which was stored in unhosted cryptocurrency wallets whose private keys the defendant personally held.
“The defendant maintained diagrams recording the process by which some of the Defendant Cryptocurrency was laundered. The defendant boasted to others of Prince Group’s mining businesses that ‘the profit is considerable because there is no cost’ — that is, unlike legitimate enterprises, the operating capital for the cryptocurrency mining businesses consisted of money stolen from Prince Group’s many victims.”

Thus, the scheme allegedly used victims’ funds as capital for crypto mining and other operations — providing “profit with no cost.”

To shield the enterprise from exposure, Chen Zhi and his inner circle are accused of using political influence and bribery in various countries. Law enforcement claims they routed illicit proceeds through ostensibly legitimate arms of the group such as online gambling or crypto mining to mask their origin.

Luxury purchases were also part of the mix: Chen Zhi and associates reportedly used proceeds to acquire yachts, private jets, high-end watches, art (including a Picasso via a New York auction), vacation homes, and other valuables.

Human trafficking, forced labor, and scam compounds

The U.S. State Department asserts that in Cambodia, individuals were held in compounds and forced to run cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes, specifically so-called “pig butchering” scams defrauding victims worldwide of billions. Chen Zhi’s network is alleged to have combined forced labor, deception, and cross-border fraud to build an empire.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Deputy Todd Blanche described the action against Chen Zhi as “one of the most significant strikes” against human trafficking and cyber-enabled financial crime. The dismantling of his network is meant to send a signal: the U.S. will use “every tool at its disposal” to protect victims, recover stolen assets, and hold perpetrators accountable.

U.S. enforcement and the Brooklyn link

Investigations were led by the FBI’s New York Joint Asian Criminal Enterprise Task Force, assisted by its Virtual Asset Unit. In New York, a network in Brooklyn was allegedly uncovered, facilitating the laundering of millions from more than 250 victims across the U.S. and beyond. Authorities arrested 11 people, charging them with wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, identity theft, passport fraud, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business.

FBI Director Kash Patel called this one of the largest frauds ever dismantled by the agency, saying Chen Zhi’s network reached across multiple continents, including the U.S.

According to The Chosun Daily, five South Korean bank subsidiaries operating in Cambodia, KB Prasac Bank, PPC Bank, Woori Bank Cambodia, Shinhan Bank Cambodia, and DGB Bank Cambodia have frozen a total of 91.2 billion Korean won (approximately $64 million) in term deposits belonging to the Prince Holding Group. The action follows recent sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom against the Cambodian conglomerate, its founder Chen Zhi, and 144 related entities, which were accused of running transnational scam and money laundering operations. Data shared in Korea’s National Assembly revealed that the banks had previously conducted 52 transactions with Prince Group totaling 197 billion won ($138 million). Among the affected institutions, Kookmin Bank holds the largest portion of frozen funds at 56.7 billion won, followed by Jeonbuk Bank with 26.9 billion won, Woori Bank with 7 billion won, and Shinhan Bank with 645 million won.

The freezing of these deposits stems from growing concerns over links between Prince Group and the alleged criminal syndicate known as “Wench,” accused of kidnapping and exploiting foreigners in Cambodia for cyber fraud and voice phishing operations. Analysts suggest the frozen deposits may represent proceeds of criminal activity. Prince Group’s founder, Chen Zhi, a Chinese-born Cambodian national, faces global scrutiny as U.S. authorities pursue civil forfeiture of 127,271 Bitcoin valued at roughly $15 billion believed to be linked to the group’s illicit operations. The U.S. Department of Justice described this as the largest forfeiture action in its history. South Korean lawmakers have urged financial regulators to coordinate with Cambodian authorities to prevent their banking systems from being exploited by transnational criminal enterprises.

While global markets surge to historic highs, Cambodia’s stock exchange seems to be moving at a much slower pace. Yet behind the quiet trading floors and subdued investor sentiment lies an important truth: patience often determines success. Market cycles whether bullish or bearish are not warnings to retreat but opportunities to understand and strategically position for long-term gain. For investors who remain focused on fundamentals, the current “low season” of the Cambodian market may, in fact, be the best time to plant seeds for future growth.

The Global Boom vs. Cambodia’s Calm

Across the globe, markets are in a frenzy. Gold has surpassed $3,900 per ounce amid fears of a US government shutdown, while Bitcoin has soared past $120,000 thanks to the approval of a spot ETF and pro-crypto policies under the Trump 2.0 administration. Even traditional equities like the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average have reached record highs, fueled by optimism in technology stocks and expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut. In stark contrast, Cambodia’s Securities Exchange (CSX) tells a quieter story. Trading turnover in September slipped to just $1.01 million, a 27% drop from August. For new investors, such slow momentum can feel discouraging, but for seasoned market watchers, this phase is all too familiar. “There’s always a story behind every phase of the market,” says veteran investor and analyst Seang Bot, adding, “You just need to know how to read it.”

Read more: Can Picasso City Garden’s IPO Spark a Revival for Cambodia’s Stock Market?

High Season vs. Low Season – The Market’s Natural Rhythm

Much like Cambodia’s tourism industry, its stock market also experiences high and low seasons. The first half of the year typically marks the “high season,” when listed companies announce dividends, sparking reinvestment, optimism, and rising trading volumes. Once these dividends are distributed, however, the “low season” sets in. The second half of the year often brings quieter markets, reduced liquidity, and softer prices. Yet this is not a sign of weakness, it’s part of the market’s rhythm. Smart investors recognize these cycles and prepare accordingly, taking advantage of downturns to buy quality stocks at attractive valuations.

Read more: Why Cambodia’s Stock Market Isn’t Grabbing the Attention of Young Investors?

Strength in Stability and Dividends

Dividends remain a powerful magnet for investors, especially in uncertain times. Companies that continue offering consistent payouts even in slow markets send a clear signal of strength and stability. These firms not only generate steady income but also represent long-term value when prices eventually rebound. Moreover, Cambodia’s CSX has structural safeguards that help maintain market stability. With restrictions on margin trading and derivatives, along with a ±10% daily price limit, the market avoids the excessive volatility often seen in larger exchanges. This controlled environment gives long-term investors the confidence to stay invested and focus on fundamentals rather than short-term speculation.

Read more: How to start stock trading in Cambodia?

Long-Term Wins in Quiet Times

In investing, real success often comes during the quiet periods, when excitement fades and prices stagnate. The Cambodian market may appear sluggish now, but every cycle turns. Those who remain patient, continue to reinvest dividends, and view downturns as opportunities rather than setbacks are likely to benefit the most when sentiment improves. As the saying goes, wealth is built not during booms, but during the quiet accumulation in between. The low season isn’t a time to retreat, it’s the perfect moment to prepare for what’s next.

Investment Online Fraud via Telegram: A Wake-Up Call for Digital Safety.

As Cambodia’s digital landscape continues to expand, so do the risks that come with it. Online investment scams have become a growing threat to internet users, often disguised as legitimate business opportunities promising quick profits. The Department of Anti-Technology Crimes has once again demonstrated its commitment to combating these emerging risks by cracking down on a major online fraud case involving the use of Telegram, a popular messaging app widely used across the country.

What Happened and When?

Acting under the direct orders of His Excellency General Sar Thet, Commissioner-General of the National Police, and His Excellency Lieutenant General Sar Thet, Deputy Commissioner-General of the National Police, the Department of Anti-Technology Crimes launched an investigation on October 1, 2025. The operation targeted a sophisticated fraud scheme that lured victims into investing money online, promising high returns in a short period.

After several days of investigation and with the coordination of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court Prosecutor’s Office, authorities successfully arrested two suspects on October 6, 2025.

Who Was Involved?

The suspects were identified as S.S.N, a female, and S.T.N, also a female. Investigations revealed that both individuals were allegedly involved in buying and selling Telegram accounts used by criminal networks. To make their scams more convincing, they reportedly used photos of senior leaders and other prominent figures as part of their online persona, tricking victims into believing the investment schemes were trustworthy and official.

Their actions led to significant financial losses for several victims who were misled into transferring money to the fraudulent investment platforms. The authorities have since sent the case to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for legal proceedings.

Read more: How Did a Scammer Steal $7,000 by Pretending to Be EDC?

Solutions and Preventive Measures

In response to this growing cybercrime trend, the Department of Anti-Technology Crimes continues to urge the public to be cautious before investing money online. They emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any online investment opportunity and checking the credibility of the sources behind advertisements or Telegram investment groups.

Users are also advised to avoid clicking suspicious links, sharing personal data, or transferring money to unverified accounts, even if the person appears trustworthy or uses familiar profile photos.

Read more: Why Do Scammers Like Using Telegram to Scam Online?

What Can You Learn from This Story? How Can You Protect Yourself?

This incident highlights a critical lesson: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are increasingly using sophisticated digital tools and social engineering techniques to exploit trust. Always perform background checks, confirm company registration, and look for verified contact information before engaging in any investment activity online.

For Telegram and other social media platforms, users should:

• Enable two-factor authentication for better account security.
• Avoid joining investment groups that make unrealistic promises.
• Report suspicious accounts or advertisements to the authorities immediately.

Read more: Phnom Penh Court Detains Chinese National for Online Scam Case

Conclusion

The arrest of the two suspects involved in the Telegram investment fraud serves as a strong reminder of the ongoing battle against cybercrime in Cambodia. While authorities are strengthening their technological capacity and legal framework, individual awareness and vigilance remain the first line of defense.

The Department of Anti-Technology Crimes continues to encourage the public to think critically before investing online and to report any suspicious online activities that could endanger others. Protecting yourself begins with staying informed, and sharing that knowledge could save someone else from falling victim next.

Source: Anti Cyber Crime Department