Commentary: Cambodia’s scam centres aren’t going away

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1. SS: In his commentary for CNA, former foreign correspondent Nirmal Ghosh argues that despite headline-grabbing raids, sanctions and arrests, Cambodia’s vast scam industry remains structurally intact because it is deeply embedded in the country’s economy and protected by political and state interests. International pressure has intensified, with the United States, United Kingdom, China and South Korea targeting groups like Prince Holding Group and responding to cases such as the torture and death of a South Korean student, yet major syndicate leaders remain untouched and operations continue largely unabated. Ghosh notes that endemic corruption, complicity among elites, and the industry’s enormous economic footprint limit Phnom Penh’s ability or willingness to mount a genuine crackdown, even as deflection by officials, public anger in South Korea, and border tensions with Thailand add further strain. Given that the scam economy may be worth up to US$19 billion annually, Ghosh concludes that Cambodia’s authorities face profound economic and political constraints, so meaningful reform is unlikely and the cycle of raids and ongoing scams is set to continue.

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