Key Moments:
- Silver Star Casino’s license has been suspended following a raid in Svay Rieng province.
- Police detained 23 foreign nationals and confiscated multiple electronic devices involved in online scams.
- The operation was coordinated by several Cambodian agencies on 1 November 2025.
Coordinated Investigation Leads to Major Raid
The Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Cybercrime, working jointly with the Cambodian Commercial Gambling Commission, the National Police General Directorate, and the Svay Rieng Provincial Court Prosecutor, spearheaded a targeted raid on Silver Star Casino on 1 November 2025. Authorities initiated the operation after receiving intelligence indicating the presence of illicit digital activity within the casino. Investigators moved forward after collecting evidence that the location hosted unlawful activities aimed at defrauding individuals worldwide. The case has since grown into one of Svay Rieng province’s most significant cybercrime investigations of the year.
International Arrests and Seizure of Fraud Equipment
The police apprehended 23 foreign nationals during the coordinated operation. Those in custody are comprised of six Sri Lankans, seven Pakistanis, two Filipinos, two Nepalese, one Indian, one Nigerian, one Algerian, and three organizers representing China, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Authorities seized 24 call-center telephones, 19 passports, and 20 mobile devices that were connected to the fraud operation. Investigators reported that the individuals are suspected members of an organized group orchestrating fake investment schemes and online fraud. The three identified organizers have been referred to the Svay Rieng Provincial Court, while immigration authorities began deportation procedures for the other 20 detainees.
| Nationality | Number of Suspects |
|---|---|
| Sri Lankan | 6 |
| Pakistani | 7 |
| Filipino | 2 |
| Nepalese | 2 |
| Indian | 1 |
| Nigerian | 1 |
| Algerian | 1 |
| Organizers (China, Taiwan, Malaysia) | 3 |
| Total | 23 |
Swift Regulatory Response
The Cambodian Commercial Gambling Commission promptly suspended Silver Star Casino’s license after substantiating the involvement of criminal activities. Officials stated that the action firmly demonstrates Cambodia’s intent to shield its gambling sector from illicit influences. Regulators have indicated that the casino’s business structure will undergo a thorough review to uncover any remaining affiliations with the fraud ring. This response is part of a broader initiative to root out illegal operations within the country’s licensed entertainment establishments.
Broader Push to Combat Cybercrime
Government departments have committed to enhancing oversight and deepening partnerships with international law enforcement bodies. Their objectives include monitoring transaction flows, boosting intelligence sharing, and detecting cross-border digital fraud. The Ministry of Security has announced expanded training opportunities for investigative personnel specializing in technology-driven cases. The recent events underscore the interconnection between cybercrime and gambling activity in Southeast Asia and highlight Cambodia’s efforts to eliminate unlawful operations from its regulated market.
Conclusion
The response to the Silver Star Casino case marks a pivotal point in Cambodia’s strategy for managing digital threats. The situation raises important questions about the future effectiveness of cooperative enforcement and technological measures in safeguarding the nation’s gaming industry against cyber threats.
- Author
Daniel Williams
