Thousands of workers flee Cambodia scam centres, officials say

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Rebecca Ratcliffe South-east Asia correspondentJanuary 21, 2026 at 07:55 AM

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Following increased international pressure, thousands of workers, including suspected human trafficking victims, have reportedly been released or escaped from scam compounds across Cambodia in recent days. The Indonesian embassy alone has received reports from over 1,400 nationals released from these centers. Amnesty International has documented evidence of releases and escape attempts at multiple locations. While exact figures are unavailable, concerns remain about the lack of support for released workers, potentially leading to re-trafficking. These releases are considered unprecedented and are attributed to escalating international pressure, particularly after sanctions against a Chinese-born Cambodian tycoon accused of involvement in online scam operations. The UN estimates that 100,000 people work within these scam compounds in Cambodia, often lured under false pretenses and forced to participate in online scams.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Harvard University 30% China ×240% Indonesia 40% UN 40% Jacob Sims 40% UK ×240% United States ×240% Phnom Penh 50% Montse Ferrer ×250% Chen Zhi ×360% Amnesty International ×370% Cambodia ×690%

Keywords

scam centres 100% cambodia 80% human trafficking 80% online scams 70% forced labour 60% international pressure 60% worker releases 50% safe houses 40% crypto fraud 40%