Cambodian Police and Soldiers Guarded Abusive Scam Compounds, Amnesty Alleges

According to a report published by Amnesty International, Cambodian police and military officers worked as private security guards in online fraud compounds where thousands of people were allegedly subjected to forced labor. The human rights organization stated that serving officers operated within a system enabling severe abuses, including slavery and rape.

Amnesty International reported that its findings were based on 151 survivor interviews, visits to 82 scam compounds, and the analysis of social media videos. The investigation linked illicit operations to five private security companies. Agnès Callamard, the secretary general of Amnesty International, stated that survivors had long reported encountering military or police personnel inside these compounds, accounts that the organization stated it has now been able to link to well-connected security firms.

Key Findings from the Investigation

• Survivor Accounts: Survivors alleged that guards administered electric shocks, carried out beatings, detained individuals in dark rooms, and stood guard while managers committed sexual violence.
• Security Companies: The report, titled *Official Business: Security companies and authorities at scamming compounds in Cambodia*, highlighted a company named Leap Somnang, linking it to at least 15 compounds across eight provinces.
• Official Links: Amnesty alleged that Leap Somnang is believed to be controlled by Ban Sophat, an armed forces colonel who publicly served as its chair.

Denials and Official Responses

• Denial of Ownership: Amnesty quoted a letter from Ban Sophat denying any ownership, director, or management role in Leap Somnang, stating he only served as an adviser and that his presence in photographs did not indicate involvement in compound activities.
• Ministry of Interior Response: Amnesty noted a response from Cambodia's ministry of interior stating that authorities had disciplined 77 police officers, prosecuted six private security guards for illegal stun baton use, and detained 17 military, police, and civil officials for colluding with criminals as part of ongoing crackdowns.
• Prosecutions: The ministry's letter stated that authorities had sent 3,477 suspects to court under a "no tolerance" policy to prevent the country from becoming a base for transnational crime.

The Guardian reported that it had contacted Cambodia's interior ministry, Ban Sophat, and Leap Somnang for comment following the report's release. International pressure has grown to address the regional scam industry, which generates billions in estimated annual losses. While Cambodia launched a major crackdown in July 2025 and claims to have shut down numerous centers, Amnesty stated that the broader infrastructure of impunity has not been dismantled.