Swedish nationals were among 1,362 foreigners deported from Cambodia during the first 10 days of July. The removals came as authorities stepped up a nationwide crackdown on online scam operations and other cross-border crimes.
According to Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration (GDI), the deportations took place between July 1 and 10. The operation was carried out under the direction of the Ministry of Interior.
The deportees came from 24 countries. They included Sweden, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, South Korea, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Russia, France and the United Kingdom.
Cambodian authorities did not reveal how many Swedish citizens were deported. They also did not specify the allegations against the Swedish nationals.
The GDI said deportees were linked to a range of immigration and criminal offences. These included alleged online scams, illegal entry, overstaying visas, document forgery, drug offences and illegal employment.
The deportations coincided with continued raids on suspected scam compounds. On July 9, police dismantled a suspected scam site in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district. Thirteen foreign nationals were detained during the operation.
Cambodian authorities said they are targeting both suspected scammers and the organisers behind the networks. They also said they are working to identify trafficking victims and help them return safely to their home countries.
