More than 400 Indonesians were released from suspected cyber-scam compounds in Cambodia after a government crackdown, the Indonesian embassy said. Between January 1 and 18, 440 Indonesians sought consular help to return home or receive assistance. The UN estimates at least 100,000 people work in Cambodia's online fraud industry, which uses fake romances and cryptocurrency schemes. Cambodian authorities recently arrested and deported Chinese-born businessman Chen Zhi, who was indicted by U.S. authorities.
Over 400 Indonesians Freed From Cambodian Cyber-Scam Compounds After Government Crackdown
More than 400 Indonesians were freed by cyberscam networks in Cambodia this month after a crackdown on the illicit industry, according to Indonesia's ambassador in Phnom Penh (STR)(STR/AFP/AFP)
More than 400 Indonesian nationals were released from suspected cyber-scam compounds in Cambodia this month after a renewed government crackdown, Jakarta's embassy in Phnom Penh said.
According to the embassy, 440 Indonesians registered for assistance between 1 and 18 January, reporting they had been "released by online scam syndicates." The group included people who said they had been trafficked or forced to work in scam operations, as well as those who had joined voluntarily but under false promises.
What Authorities Found
Law enforcement activity in Phnom Penh followed the arrest and deportation this month of Chinese-born tycoon Chen Zhi, accused of running internet scam operations out of Cambodia. Chen was previously indicted by U.S. authorities. The United Nations estimates the online fraud trade employs at least 100,000 people in Cambodia, and generates tens of billions of dollars annually through fake romances and bogus cryptocurrency schemes.
Conditions Reported By Released Workers
Accounts collected by the embassy and media describe varied and often abusive conditions: some workers said their passports had been confiscated by syndicates; others had valid residence permits. An 18-year-old from Sumatra said he had been forced to run scams in a compound in Bavet for eight months without pay despite promises of US$600 per month. Many fled when they heard police were entering compounds.
Diplomatic Response And Next Steps
Indonesia's ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto, said the crackdown prompted many syndicates to "let their workers go." The embassy is expediting repatriation for those who want to return and has advised nationals who can to travel home independently. Dozens of people queued outside the Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh seeking help; roughly 100 others were reported waiting outside the Chinese embassy.
"Because Cambodia's crackdown will continue, the embassy predicts many more will flow in from the provinces," Ambassador Santo said in a social media video.
China's foreign ministry said it "attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese citizens overseas," according to spokesman Guo Jiakun. Cambodian authorities say they are committed to dismantling online fraud networks; investigations and cross-border cooperation are expected to continue as governments assist victims and pursue suspects.
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