Cambodian authorities have closed Silver Star Casino in Svay Rieng province following a large-scale joint operation that uncovered an international cyber-fraud network operating from the premises. The raid, carried out on November 1, 2025, led to the arrest of 23 foreign suspects and the immediate suspension of the casino’s operating licence.
Coordinated Crackdown on Technology-Based Fraud
The investigation was led by the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Cybercrime (CCCC) in collaboration with the Cambodian Commercial Gambling Commission (CCGC), the National Police General Directorate, and the Prosecutor of the Svay Rieng Provincial Court. The coordinated raid was launched after authorities obtained credible intelligence suggesting that the casino was being used as a hub for cyber-enabled criminal activity.
As reported by Khmer Times, during the search, officers seized 24 call center phones, 19 passports, and 20 mobile phones believed to have been used for fraudulent operations. Officials confirmed that evidence gathered from the site pointed to a sophisticated technology-based fraud scheme involving multiple international participants.
Those detained include six Sri Lankans (one female), seven Pakistanis (two females), two Filipinos (two females), two Nepalese (two females), one Indian, one Nigerian, one Algerian—who authorities believe may have been a victim—and three suspected ringleaders: a Chinese, a Taiwanese, and a Malaysian national.
Following the raid, the Cambodian Gambling Commission suspended Silver Star Casino’s licence indefinitely, stating that the establishment would be prohibited from resuming any gambling activities while investigations continue.
Authorities reported that the three alleged masterminds—a Taiwanese national and two Malaysians—were transferred to the Svay Rieng Provincial Court to face prosecution under Cambodian law. The remaining 20 foreign nationals have been handed over to the General Department of Immigration to initiate deportation proceedings.
Officials confirmed that the evidence collected was sufficient to substantiate charges related to cyber-fraud and technology-based crime, marking a decisive enforcement action under Cambodia’s tightening anti-cybercrime policies. The CCCC pledged to pursue all those involved, stating that authorities would apply “the strictest legal action, without exception” against those responsible for organizing or participating in such fraudulent activities.
Broader Clampdown on Casino-Linked Scams
The Silver Star Casino operation formed part of a wider national crackdown against gambling-linked technology crimes. Just one day after the raid in Svay Rieng, the General Secretariat of the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) confirmed that it had suspended the licences of four additional casinos in Preah Sihanouk province.
These establishments were reportedly tied to the Jin Bei Group, a conglomerate already under scrutiny for alleged involvement in illicit online activities. The CGMC cited “suspicions of secretly committing online scams” as the reason for suspension, reflecting the government’s expanding focus on rooting out illegal operations within the casino sector.
While foreign media outlets have speculated about political ties to certain casino operators, Cambodian officials have categorically denied these claims. Authorities emphasized that the crackdown is aimed solely at dismantling cybercrime networks and maintaining integrity in the country’s gambling industry.
The swift action against Silver Star Casino underscores Cambodia’s ongoing campaign to address illegal online gambling and technology-based fraud. Officials from the CCCC reaffirmed that all forms of cybercrime—including scams disguised under licensed gaming operations—will face immediate enforcement.
“After obtaining sufficient evidence, the CGMC has suspended the license of Silver Star Casino, preventing it from continuing its business operations,” said the CCTC. “Authorities sent the three alleged masterminds to the Svay Rieng Provincial Court to face legal proceedings and punishment, according to Cambodian law.”
