Amnesty Reports Cambodian Authorities Guarded Abuse in Scam Compounds

Cambodian police and military officers worked as private security guards in scam compounds where thousands were forced to labor in online fraud operations, according to a new report by Amnesty International. The rights group detailed how these guards, employed by security companies, enforced a system of exploitation that included slavery, rape, and physical violence against detainees.

Amnesty’s Investigation Details

The investigation, titled “Official Business: Security companies and authorities at scamming compounds in Cambodia,” is based on 151 survivor interviews, visits to 82 scam compounds, and social media videos showing guards in company uniforms. Amnesty linked the abusive operations to five private security firms, one of which—Leap Somnang—had a presence in at least 15 compounds across eight provinces. Twelve survivors identified the company’s guards, uniforms, or logo, according to the report.

Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s secretary general, stated that the findings “begin to expose the long-suspected links between Cambodia’s billion-dollar criminal scamming networks and politically connected figures who have remained largely beyond scrutiny.” She added that security companies were “at the heart of these connections,” controlling compound exits and enforcing compliance through fear and violence.

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Role of Security Personnel in Abuses

Amnesty identified more than 20 military and police members who were seen at the compounds, sometimes working openly as guards. The report alleges that guards used electric batons to keep detainees trapped and enforced harsh discipline. Survivor accounts describe guards administering electric shocks, beating people, and detaining individuals in “dark rooms.” Compound managers allegedly stood by while guards prevented escape and committed sexual violence against women.

Leap Somnang, described as having the largest footprint among the implicated companies, is believed to be controlled by Ban Sophat, who publicly served as chair while also holding the rank of colonel in the Cambodian armed forces. The report includes photos showing Ban Sophat alongside Leap Somnang guards at two scam compounds. A letter from Ban Sophat, cited by Amnesty, denies ownership, director, or management roles, stating he served only as an adviser to the company owner.

Broader Context of Human Trafficking

According to the United Nations, hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked into Southeast Asia from across the world, often lured by promises of office jobs before being forced to carry out online scams. These operations include “pig butchering,” a type of romance fraud where criminals build fake relationships to steal money. Annual losses from such schemes are estimated at $100 billion, exceeding the GDP of several regional countries.

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In July 2025, Cambodia launched its largest crackdown on scam operations, claiming to have shut down hundreds of centers. Authorities assert that the industry is now “dormant,” but Amnesty argues that the infrastructure of impunity remains intact. “Cambodia will not have ended this abusive industry until it has held to account those who staffed, managed, financed and protected this abusive system,” Callamard said.

Government Response and Amnesty’s Stance

Amnesty presented its findings to Cambodian authorities, who responded that their crackdowns had disciplined 77 police officers, prosecuted six security guards for illegal stun baton use, and detained 17 military, police, and civil officials for colluding with criminals. The ministry cited a policy of “no tolerance, no exemption, and no retreat” to prevent Cambodia from becoming a “haven or operating base for transnational criminal networks.”