ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office of Pakistan announced on Tuesday that Cambodian authorities have agreed to the early repatriation of 54 Pakistani nationals who were arrested during a raid on a suspected scam compound in Cambodia’s Siem Reap province.
The development comes after reports surfaced that more than 200 Pakistanis were being held by Cambodian police in overcrowded detention facilities with limited access to basic necessities. Pakistani authorities said the embassy in Cambodia had been actively engaged with local officials to secure relief and facilitate the return of the detained citizens.
According to the Foreign Office statement, the embassy’s efforts were carried out under the instructions of Ishaq Dar, who directed officials to take all possible measures to support overseas Pakistanis facing difficulties abroad.
The FO confirmed that the Cambodian government agreed to allow the detainees to return to Pakistan without facing legal proceedings. Officials described the move as a goodwill gesture by Cambodian authorities aimed at resolving the matter swiftly and peacefully.
The statement added that embassy officials are continuing to monitor the welfare of the detained Pakistanis and are coordinating travel arrangements for their return. Authorities said the 54 nationals would be repatriated once flight schedules and documentation are finalized.
Cambodia has become a major hub for online scam operations in recent years, with organized criminal groups reportedly running large-scale cyber fraud networks targeting people around the world. Experts say many individuals working in these compounds are lured through fake job offers, while others are forced into illegal activities under coercive conditions.
According to a recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, cyber scam syndicates operating in Southeast Asia have expanded their activities globally, including into Africa and South America. The report highlighted Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos as major centers for organized cybercrime operations due to weak governance and corruption challenges.
The incident has renewed concerns about human trafficking, cybercrime, and the exploitation of foreign workers in Southeast Asia. Pakistani authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious when accepting overseas employment offers, especially through unverified online sources.
