Cambodia Scam Victims Rescued Safely and Returned to Nepal
19th March 2026, Kathmandu
The Nepali Rescue Cambodia Scam operation reached a major milestone on March 13, 2026, as 21 Nepali citizens—who were trapped in illegal online scamming centers and casinos—were safely repatriated to Kathmandu.
Cambodia Scam Victims Rescued
The rescue was the result of a high-level diplomatic intervention by the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok, in close coordination with the Cambodian government and the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Cambodia. The victims, primarily lured by promises of high-paying jobs, found themselves instead forced into cybercrime and illegal gambling operations in cities like Bavet.
The Anatomy of the Cambodia Job Scam
The Nepali Rescue Cambodia Scam follows a pattern seen across Southeast Asia, where organized criminal networks exploit job seekers through digital deception.
False Inducements: Victims were often recruited through social media ads or unscrupulous local agents promising customer service or IT roles with lucrative salaries.
Illegal Operations: Upon arrival, many were moved to fortified compounds in Bavet, near the Vietnam border, or Sihanoukville, where they were forced to operate pig-butchering scams and fraudulent online casinos.
Coercion and Control: The embassy reported that many victims had their passports confiscated by these companies. Those who resisted were often subjected to physical threats or resale to other scam centers.
Statistical Surge: A Growing Crisis
Data released by the Embassy of Nepal highlights a staggering rise in Nepali citizens traveling to Cambodia on tourist visas, many of whom are believed to be potential targets for these syndicates. In 2021, only 101 individuals traveled to the country. This number grew to 1,977 in 2022 and 2,940 in 2023. By 2024, the figure reached 6,404, and in 2025, it peaked at 9,676.
The nearly 100-fold increase in five years has alarmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prompting a shift in how travel to the region is monitored and restricted.
The Rescue Mission and Repatriation
The recent success of the Nepali Rescue Cambodia Scam operation was accelerated by a massive raid conducted by the Cambodian National Police in mid-January 2026.
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The Bavet Raid: Authorities uncovered 22 buildings allegedly running scam operations, detaining over 2,000 foreign nationals, including 30 Nepalis.
Diplomatic Intervention: Because Nepal does not have a resident embassy in Cambodia, the mission in Bangkok took the lead, issuing free one-time travel permits to those whose passports were missing.
Repatriation: The 21 individuals arrived at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) last Friday, where they were met by officials and their families.
Embassy Advisory: How to Stay Safe
In light of the Nepali Rescue Cambodia Scam, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok has issued a strict travel advisory for citizens looking for work in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Verify Labor Permits: Never travel for work on a tourist visa. Ensure you have a valid Labor Approval from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE).
Contact Official Channels: If you or a family member is stranded, contact the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok at +855 12 215 578 or +855 93 203 666.
Beware of High Salary Claims: Be skeptical of job offers that claim to pay thousands of dollars for simple data entry or customer support roles in Southeast Asian border towns.
Conclusion
The successful repatriation of 21 citizens is a victory for Nepali diplomacy, but the Nepali Rescue Cambodia Scam is far from over. With nearly 10,000 Nepalis visiting Cambodia in 2025, the risk remains high. Government authorities continue to urge citizens to prioritize legal migration channels to avoid falling into the trap of modern-day forced labor in regional scam hubs.
For More: Cambodia Scam Victims Rescued
