Cambodian authorities have dismantled a major logistical hub in Phnom Penh, seizing sophisticated technology and thousands of international SIM cards used to fuel global online scam operations.
Police raided a residence in the capital on October 31, seizing more than 2,300 mobile phones, nearly 450 computers, and 12 Starlink satellite internet devices. The haul also included 18,950 foreign SIM cards, alongside a large number of local ones.
These SIM cards originated from countries including the United States, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, and Italy. Investigators determined the equipment was used to create fake accounts on various applications and establish fraudulent bank accounts to deceive victims across multiple nations.
Seven individuals were arrested during the operation. Among them were three Chinese nationals, including the alleged network leader, and four Cambodian citizens.
The suspects confessed to distributing the seized equipment to other online scam operational bases located in various Cambodian provinces.
All suspects and evidence have been handed over to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court prosecutor. The investigation is ongoing to identify additional accomplices and the sources of the illegally imported technology.