163 Chinese Nationals deported by Cambodia Over Online Scams, Illegal Stay and Work
The group, including five women, was removed via a special flight from Techo International Airport on 7 November in a joint operation with the Chinese Embassy.
PHNOM PENH, 7 November 2026
Cambodia deported 163 Chinese nationals, including five women, on 7 November for alleged involvement in illegal residence, illegal employment, illegal border crossing and online scams, according to a statement from the General Department of Immigration (GDI).
The operation was carried out on the instructions of Lt. Gen. Sok Veasna, Director-General of GDI, following high-level recommendations from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha and senior leaders of the Ministry of Interior.
The Department of Investigation and Procedure led the removal in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia. The group was deported from the Kingdom via a special flight at the police post of Techo International Airport.
Authorities said the deportation was part of continued enforcement against transnational online scam operations and related immigration violations.
The 163 individuals were listed as involved in four categories of offences:
- Illegal residence
- Illegal employment
- Illegal border crossing
- Online scams
No further details on individual cases were released in the statement provided. General Department of Immigration, Ministry of Interior, published about the matter on 8 November 2026, concerning the operation of 7 November 2026.
Key Facts Box for Portal
- Total deported: 163 Chinese nationals
- Women: 5
- Date of operation: 7 November 2026
- Exit point: Techo International Airport police post, special flight
- Lead agency: GDI Department of Investigation and Procedure
- Partner: Chinese Embassy in Cambodia
- Offences cited: Online scams, illegal stay, illegal work, illegal border crossing
For years, Cambodia was seen as a safe haven for online scam syndicates.
With operations like the deportation of these 163 Chinese nationals, Phnom Penh is now trying to prove it has become the frontline in dismantling them, and that the era of impunity is ending.