China, Cambodia join forces as gambling crime, deportation surge

February 18, 2025

China, Cambodia join forces as gambling crime, deportation surge

In a concerted effort to tackle the escalating threats of online gambling and cyber scams, Cambodia and China have pledged to enhance their collaborative initiatives. This commitment was formalised during a meeting between Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Sokha and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin last week in Phnom Penh.

Wang reaffirmed China’s dedication to bolstering anti-gambling and scam operations, underscoring the importance of joint efforts in addressing these transnational crimes.“Both sides agreed to strengthen anti-online gambling and scamming collaboration,” Wang said.

The Cambodian Interior Ministry highlighted the global proliferation of online gambling and the imperative for international cooperation. Spokesman Touch Sokhak remarked, “The trend of online gambling is spreading in most countries globally; therefore, we hosted the meeting to join the efforts.”

Commitment to exchange input and material support

Both nations have committed to exchanging information, conducting joint crackdowns, and ensuring legal action against perpetrators. Chinese police will collaborate with Cambodian forces in operations, facilitating the repatriation of criminals and victims. Additionally, China will provide Cambodia with training and material support for cybercrime investigations.

This enhanced cooperation aims to curb illegal Chinese activities in Cambodia, addressing concerns over the involvement of Chinese nationals in illicit operations within the country.

Furthermore, this major development follows an increase in efforts by Cambodian authorities to tackle illegal activities involving Chinese nationals, especially in online gambling and cyber scams. Last year, there was a notable rise in the involvement of Chinese nationals in scamming and illegal gambling activities within Cambodia.

Hundreds of Chinese deported last year

In April 2024, an operation led to the deportation of 130 Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in fraud and illegal online gambling in Sihanoukville. This action followed a raid in early March, during which 300 suspects were detained, and equipment such as computers and mobile phones were seized.

In May 2024, five Chinese online scammers were deported from Cambodia. These nationals were implicated in cybercrimes, fraud, and illegal gambling activities within the country.

Similarly, in November 2024, a joint operation between Chinese and Cambodian police resulted in the deportation of 240 Chinese nationals involved in gambling fraud and other illicit activities. These individuals were returned to China on a chartered flight, with more deportations anticipated in subsequent batches.

This may explain why China, which considers gambling illegal, has partnered with Cambodia. In fact, China’s collaboration extends beyond Cambodia, as China and ASEAN nations work together to combat online gambling and telecom fraud, particularly along the Myanmar-Thailand border. China has urged ASEAN countries to take responsibility and implement stringent measures to protect citizens and hold criminals accountable.