Cambodian casino empire tied to border scam compound
An investigation has linked a Cambodian casino complex to a sophisticated scam operation involving impersonation of foreign police and banks. Evidence suggests the facility was leased to a Chinese national for high-value rent, though the casino owners deny direct involvement in the criminal activities.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing issue of transnational cyber-fraud hubs operating in Southeast Asia that target international victims.
BANGKOK: The March 2024 agreement shows that Royal Hill Resort and Casino leased three buildings inside its O’Smach complex to a Chinese national for two years at US$200,000 a month.
The tenant’s name was withheld because his identity and alleged role in the criminal activity could not be independently confirmed.
The buildings stood only tens of metres from the Royal Hill casino and were connected to the resort entrance by a paved road.
Inside were offices, dormitories, soundproof booths and rooms staged to resemble foreign police stations and bank branches — sets allegedly used to deceive victims in impersonation scams.
Evidence collected during visits to the site included scripts targeting Australians, handwritten records of calls and rooms designed to imitate institutions including a Singapore police station and a Vietnamese bank.
Australian federal police have linked the operation to losses of nearly US$3 million among victims in the country.
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