Cambodia Opens Scam Compound to Media Ahead of Conference
Journalists inspected the massive No. 8 Park site as Phnom Penh prepares for a global summit to showcase its anti-cybercrime efforts.
Key points
- Journalists from 39 organizations inspected the 120-hectare No. 8 Park compound in Prey Veng province.
- The site, capable of housing 20,000 people, featured rooms designed to mimic foreign police offices.
- The visit precedes an international conference in Phnom Penh co-hosted by Interpol and the UN.
The Cambodian government has permitted media representatives to inspect a massive former online scam compound in the country’s southeast. This move serves as a public relations step ahead of a high-profile international conference scheduled to open in Phnom Penh later this week, aimed at demonstrating the government’s commitment to combating cybercrime.
According to The Diplomat, journalists from 39 domestic and international organizations visited the site known as No. 8 Park in Prey Veng province. The fortified complex, which covers approximately 120 hectares, was designed to house around 20,000 people and included residential blocks, offices, and a casino, resembling a self-contained town.
Inspecting the Fortified Complex
Authorities raided the compound in February following intelligence from China’s Ministry of Public Security and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. During the media tour, reporters were shown rooms set up to mimic foreign law enforcement agencies, including one displaying signage for the Singapore Police Force. These setups were reportedly used by scammers posing as officials to deceive victims.
Preparing for International Summit
The visit precedes a two-day conference co-hosted by Interpol, the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, and China’s Lancang Mekong Cooperation mechanism. Representatives from over 20 countries are expected to attend as Cambodia seeks to project an image of effective governance against transnational crime.
Phnom Penh claims its crackdown has dismantled 86 large compounds and investigated over 830 suspected sites since July 2025. Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith recently declared that large-scale scam activities have been brought fully under control, stating that no such compounds remain in the country.
Persistent Political Economy Questions
Despite these claims, analysts suggest the political economy that facilitated the rise of criminal gangs remains largely intact. For decades, the system has granted significant autonomy to those with close ties to the ruling party, allowing them to amass wealth with limited legal oversight. The key question now is whether authorities will investigate prominent individuals who allegedly enabled and profited from this industry.
