Cambodia has failed to dismantle much of its online scam industry despite a yearlong crackdown that authorities said would eliminate it, according to an Amnesty International report that challenges official claims of success.
The London-based rights group said it identified 86 scam compounds operating across Cambodia as of April, up from 53 a year earlier, and found evidence of state intervention at only 24 sites during the government¡¯s campaign. That contrasts with official statements that authorities had taken action against more than 250 scam centers nationwide.
The findings cast doubt on government assertions that the industry had been significantly weakened. Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith said in February that online scam activity had been reduced by half and the problem would be resolved by April. Officials later reported thousands of arrests, prosecutions and deportations linked to the crackdown.
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