Cambodia says no online scam compounds remain, experts skeptical

The Cambodian government has declared the eradication of all large-scale scam compounds in the country, according to Chhay Sinarith, the senior minister overseeing efforts against online scams. Speaking at a meeting with foreign diplomats, Chhay stated that "large-scale scam activities have been brought fully under control, and there are currently no online scam compounds remaining in the country," as reported in a statement about the minister's meeting released on Friday.

However, criminal groups have reportedly shifted to decentralized, small-scale operations, operating out of guesthouses, condominiums, rental houses, vehicles, and coffee shops, as indicated in the same statement. Authorities are continuing to pursue these newer forms of scams, the statement added.

Amnesty International's co-regional director, Montse Ferrer, expressed significant skepticism about the government's claims, stating that "the human-rights group was highly skeptical of suggestions the scamming compound industry has been effectively eliminated." Ferrer highlighted the entrenched links of the multibillion-dollar industry within Cambodia, suggesting that the situation may not be as eradicated as the government suggests.