Cambodia's cybercrime industry, often referred to as 'Scambodia', has escalated into a significant economic force, generating an estimated $12.5 billion to $19 billion annually, which constitutes 40% to 60% of the country's GDP. This growth was catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated the traditional gambling sector and led criminal syndicates to pivot towards more lucrative online fraud operations. Reports indicate that senior Cambodian officials and wealthy tycoons provide protection for these networks, allowing them to flourish.

The operations are characterized by large, guarded compounds housing thousands of trafficked workers who are forced to execute scams, particularly targeting victims in the U.S., Europe, India, and China. In response to international pressure, the Cambodian government has begun to take action against these networks, including the passage of a Cybercrime Law in April 2026, which aims to dismantle scam rings. However, experts caution that these operations may simply relocate to more remote areas or neighboring countries, leaving the core of the criminal infrastructure largely intact.