Long queues have formed outside the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh in recent days, amid reports that large numbers of Chinese nationals who have left or escaped from online scam compounds are seeking consular assistance to return home, according to Cambodian media and official Chinese statements.
The development follows intensified cooperation between China and neighboring countries – including Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand – to crack down on cross-border telecom and online fraud.
On January 7th, authorities repatriated Chen Zhi, founder of Cambodia-based Prince Group, from Phnom Penh to China as part of the latest enforcement actions, drawing renewed attention to scam operations in the region.
At a press briefing on January 19th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China and Cambodia have, for some time, worked closely together to combat cross-border telecom and cyber fraud, achieving “notable results.” He added that the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia is maintaining communication and coordination with Cambodian authorities to carry out related work.
Cambodian Chinese-language outlets, including the Cambodian-Chinese Times and Cambodian Network, reported that following the dismantling of several large-scale scam compounds, many individuals affiliated with these sites were allowed to leave on their own. Thousands were said to have exited the compounds, with a portion later gathering outside the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh.
Witnesses cited by local media described hundreds of people lining up along nearby streets in two long queues. Many were reportedly Chinese nationals who had left scam parks and were seeking assistance after losing their passports. According to the reports, they hoped to obtain temporary travel documents or return certificates to enable legal travel back to China.
Cambodian outlet Camboja News quoted several Chinese individuals waiting in line as saying they had fled scam compounds in Sihanoukville and wished to return to China before the Chinese New Year. However, embassy security personnel were quoted as saying that only a small number of those queuing were linked to scam operations, while others were applying for standard travel visas.
The enforcement push has also led to high-profile arrests. Chen Zhi, originally from Fujian province and widely described by regional media as a major figure in Cambodia’s scam industry, was transferred to China for investigation earlier this month. Separately, former tycoon Ly Kuong/Li Kuong, a Chinese national identified as the owner of the “Huang Le” scam park, was arrested in Cambodia.
Cambodian officials have said the government will continue firm and decisive law-enforcement actions to eradicate telecom fraud, citing the need to improve Cambodia’s international image and reputation.
