Cambodia Intensifies Eradication of Online Fraud Networks, Number of Reporting WNI Increases Again

JAKARTA - The number of Indonesian citizens (WNI) who report to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has again experienced an increasing trend, in line with the increase in operations to eradicate online fraud networks carried out by Cambodian authorities.

In a written statement, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh revealed, "since mid-April 2026, there has been an increase, a trend of complaints with an average of more than 100 Indonesian citizens reporting every day."

"In fact, on May 5, 2026, the number of reporters reached 180 Indonesian citizens in one day," the Indonesian Embassy said in a statement quoted (6/5).

"This increase occurs as the intensification of the eradication of online fraud networks carried out by the Cambodian Government after the Khmer New Year celebrations," explained the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

"Law enforcement operations are now also targeting areas that have previously been relatively rarely touched by raids, including Poipet, a border town that has long been known as one of the concentration points for Indonesian citizens in Cambodia," added the Indonesian Embassy.

Until May 5, continued the Indonesian Embassy, a total of 8,002 Indonesian citizens were recorded to have reported directly to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh since the spike in cases began in mid-January 2026.

The Indonesian citizens came to the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh after being out of the online fraud network. Most of the Indonesian citizens who came to report said they did not have passports, faced overstay, and had financial limitations to return to Indonesia.

Until yesterday, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh had facilitated the return of 3,348 Indonesian citizens to Indonesia. The Embassy also continues to strengthen coordination with the Cambodian government to request the removal of overstay fines to expedite the repatriation process for Indonesian citizens. Until now, Cambodian authorities have agreed to remove overstay fines for 4,677 Indonesian citizens.

On the other hand, the surge in the number of reporters has put the capacity of temporary shelters managed by the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh at its maximum point. A number of Indonesian citizens are currently on the waiting list before they can enter the shelter.

The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh estimates that the number of Indonesian citizens who need assistance in repatriation will continue to increase as the Cambodian government continues to eradicate online fraud networks in various regions.

Therefore, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh appeals to Indonesian citizens who have obtained approval for the removal of overstay fines and received travel documents to immediately purchase tickets to Indonesia. This step is necessary to provide space for other Indonesian citizens who are still waiting for the issuance of documents and the completion of immigration administration.

Therefore, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh appeals to Indonesian citizens who have obtained approval for the removal of overstay fines and received travel documents to immediately purchase tickets to Indonesia. This step is necessary to provide space for other Indonesian citizens who are still waiting for the issuance of documents and the completion of immigration administration.