Joint Police Operation Targets Cambodia-Based Scam Ring
Thai and Taiwanese police carried out a joint operation on August 20 targeting a transnational call-centre scam network allegedly run by a Taiwanese criminal group, arresting more than 20 Taiwanese suspects in Cambodia and uncovering losses exceeding NT$200 million. The operation was led by Thailand's Anti-Online Scam Center, under the direction of Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Thana Chuwong and Assistant National Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Jiraphop Phuridet, working alongside Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau.
The case began after Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau investigated a Taiwanese transnational call-centre network operating from Cambodia, whose members allegedly posed as police officers and called victims to deceive them into transferring money. Investigators said the syndicate's leaders coordinated the operation remotely while directing recruitment and victim outreach from bases across the border.
Fake Job Ads Lured Taiwanese Nationals Into Scam Centres
Investigators found that the network recruited Taiwanese nationals through online job advertisements that promised well-paid Chinese-language typing positions with accommodation and meals included. More than 100 Taiwanese nationals were allegedly lured to Cambodia to work as call-centre operators, with several later describing being unable to leave once they arrived.
The bust is the latest in a series of crackdowns on cross-border scam operations across the region, as Thai and regional authorities intensify cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies to dismantle networks operating from Cambodia. Authorities said further arrests and asset seizures were expected as the joint investigation continues.
