Adinda Jasmine, Jakarta – A total of 339 Indonesian citizens (WNI) were caught in a simultaneous crackdown on online fraud in 15 provinces in Cambodia since July 14, 2025. The operation, conducted by the Cambodian government, netted a total of 2,780 individuals, including foreign nationals from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, Pakistan, and other countries.
"This operation is a direct implementation of PM Hun Manet's order on February 14, 2025," said Senior Minister and Chief of the Secretariat Committee to Combat Online Scams (CCOS) Cambodia, Chhay Sinarith, during a meeting with the Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Dr. Santo Darmosumarto, on Monday, July 21, 2025, as quoted from a press release.
He added that the operation is proof of the Cambodian government's commitment to combating online fraud, which has become a priority issue for Cambodia and the region.
Law enforcement and further investigation
Following the operation, Cambodian authorities will continue the investigation process of all foreign nationals who were apprehended, including delving into cases in each province. Those found to be involved will be legally processed for various violations related to online fraud, including money laundering, job scam, and violent actions.
Ambassador Santo expressed full support for the law enforcement measures, emphasizing the importance of inter-country cooperation in addressing transnational crimes. He stated that the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh is prepared to enhance coordination with relevant agencies in Cambodia and Indonesia.
Protection of Indonesian citizens' rights
Amid support for legal efforts, Indonesia underscores the importance of protecting the basic rights of the apprehended Indonesian citizens. "We are also keen to ensure that the Indonesian citizens currently under the authorities' care are given their rights, including access to consular services and clear legal information," Santo said.
The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has engaged in intensive communication with the police in provinces where Indonesian communities are concentrated. Based on initial information from the police in Poipet Province, the most concentrated location of apprehended Indonesian citizens is 271 people. Some Indonesians showed uncooperative behavior, such as falsifying names and information during initial examinations. However, the police confirmed that all Indonesian citizens are in good and safe condition.
Rise in cases over the past 4 years
The Indonesian Embassy noted a sharp rise in cases of protecting Indonesian citizens in Cambodia over the past four years, especially related to online fraud. In 2024, out of 3,310 problematic cases involving Indonesian citizens handled by the Indonesian Embassy, around 75 percent were related to online fraud, an increase of more than 250 percent compared to 2023.
A similar trend continued from January to June 2025, with 2,585 recorded cases, and 83 percent were associated with the involvement of Indonesian citizens in online fraud. Statements from the victims indicate that they were lured by job offers with promises of high salaries and easy conditions.
In their statement, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh also urged Indonesian citizens not to be tempted to work abroad in a non-procedural manner, especially in activities that are potentially illegal, as it poses a high risk of facing legal consequences in the destination country.