Phnom penh: In a sweeping citywide crackdown targeting suspected cybercrime networks, Phnom Penh authorities identified 478 foreign nationals at 82 locations on Tuesday, although no active online scam operations were discovered.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the coordinated raids were carried out simultaneously across all 14 khans (districts) under the direct orders of Phnom Penh Governor H.E. Khuong Sreng. The operation targeted condominiums, apartments, boreys (gated communities), guesthouses, and hotels considered vulnerable to cybercrime-related activities.

Ms. Dor Samphors, spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, made known on Wednesday that authorities identified 478 foreign nationals, including 142 women, during the operation. Of those screened, 10 individuals were found without passports and were transferred to immigration authorities for further legal action in accordance with Cambodian law.

While the sweep did not discover active scam enterprises, officials stressed the operation's broader mandate: enforcing Royal Government Sub-Decree No. 03 (enacted Jan. 5, 2026), which tightens security and safety management in high-density residential areas.

Separately, authorities penalised owners and managers of three residential sites for violating Article 20 of the new sub-decree. Five people were fined a total of 20 million Riels (US$5,000) for failing to comply with residential security standards.

Spokesperson Dor Samphors reaffirmed the municipality's commitment to eradicating localised crimes through continued, synchronised law enforcement actions. 'The municipal administration remains strictly committed to this goal,' she said.