Cambodian authorities raid Golden Lion Casino Hotel amongst telecom fraud crackdown | AGB
Summary
On 10 February authorities raided the Golden Lion Casino Hotel in Sihanoukville, detaining about 805 foreign nationals from seven countries, the majority Chinese. Over the previous four days Cambodian officials have deported 1,060 Chinese nationals as part of an intensified nationwide campaign targeting telecommunications and online fraud. The raid follows a 31 January operation in Bavet City that saw around 2,044 arrests at a suspected telecom fraud compound. Suspects are being held for legal review and phased repatriation, with Chinese law enforcement working alongside Cambodian counterparts. The government aims to complete the sweep by the end of April.
Key Points
- Raid on Golden Lion Casino Hotel in Sihanoukville detained ~805 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese.
- 1,060 Chinese nationals deported over four days as part of the crackdown on telecom fraud.
- Earlier operation on 31 January in Bavet City resulted in ~2,044 arrests at a suspected fraud compound.
- Chinese law enforcement officers are cooperating with Cambodian authorities during verification and handover processes.
- Government aims to complete nationwide anti-fraud sweep across Cambodia by the end of April; repatriations are phased due to scale and legal reviews.
Content Summary
Cambodia has ramped up an operation to root out telecom and online fraud operations believed to be operating within casino hotels and other compounds. The Golden Lion raid is one of several large-scale actions by interior ministry forces. Detainees are being processed centrally, assigned ID numbers and escorted to the airport under tight security as part of a coordinated repatriation effort.
Chinese officers have been dispatched under a bilateral co-operation framework to assist with identification and handover. Authorities say the campaign is ongoing and will continue nationwide through April as investigations proceed and administrative deportations are arranged in phases.
Context and Relevance
This story matters to anyone tracking the Southeast Asian gaming and travel sectors, regional law enforcement co‑operation, or cross‑border crime networks. Sihanoukville has seen rapid casino and investment growth in recent years; such raids signal higher regulatory and enforcement risk for operators, landlords and service providers in Cambodia. It also underlines Beijing’s active role in tackling transnational fraud where its nationals are involved, and the operational impact on manpower and tourism flows in affected towns.
Why should I read this?
Short version: big raid, lots of people involved, and it could hit operations and reputation in Sihanoukville. If you work in ASEAN gaming, compliance, travel or regional security, this affects licences, staffing and local risk — so worth a quick read.
Author style
Punchy: this is not just another police story. For industry watchers it flags an enforcement wave that could reshape where and how casinos and related businesses operate in Cambodia. If you’re connected to the region, pay attention to the details.