Cambodia has deported 177 Vietnamese nationals for illegal entry, unauthorized residence, and involvement in cyber fraud. All deportees have been blacklisted, prohibiting their entry for the next 3 to 5 years.
On February 11, 2025, Hanoi—Cambodian authorities recently announced the deportation of 177 Vietnamese nationals, who were convicted of illegal border crossing, unauthorized residence, and involvement in cyber fraud activities. According to the Cambodian General Department of Immigration, the deportees included 158 men and 19 women, who were sent back to Vietnam through the Bavet-Moc Bai border gate on February 7.
Sok Somnia, Deputy Director of the General Department of Immigration responsible for foreign affairs, stated in a media interview that all deported Vietnamese nationals had illegally entered Cambodia and worked without valid work permits. He emphasized that these individuals would face legal consequences under Vietnamese law, ensuring they receive appropriate legal sanctions upon their return.
According to reports from Vietnamese media, of the 177 deportees, 48 had initially left Vietnam legally but subsequently stayed in Cambodia illegally, while the remaining 129 entered Cambodia without proper documentation. Among the 177 deported individuals, 176 were suspected of participating in a cyber fraud scheme operated by a company in Svay Rieng Province, involving gambling, fake investment plans, and romance scams. One individual was identified as a facilitator of these illegal activities, highlighting the complexity and concealment of the network.
Among those deported, two were wanted by police: one for engaging in sexual relations with minors aged 13 to 16, wanted by the police in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7, and another for theft, wanted by the police in District 3. Such cases have drawn widespread public attention, especially regarding better protection of minors’ rights.
Somnia further added in the interview that all deportees have been blacklisted in Cambodia, prohibiting them from re-entering the country for at least three to five years. He stated, “According to Cambodian law, we have blacklisted them to ensure national security and social stability.”
This incident has sparked discussions on transnational crime and illegal immigration. In recent years, Cambodia has become a destination for many Vietnamese nationals seeking better economic opportunities, which has been accompanied by a surge in illegal entries and criminal activities. The Cambodian government has taken stricter measures to combat these activities to uphold the law and order in the country.
Local residents have expressed varying opinions on this incident. Some believe that government action is necessary to maintain public safety and protect the rights of legal immigrants, while others point out that promoting economic development and providing legal job opportunities are key to resolving the issue.
As the international community pays increasing attention to transnational crime and human trafficking, cooperation between Cambodia and Vietnam has become particularly important. The two governments need to enhance communication and coordination to jointly combat transnational criminal activities, ensuring the safety and welfare of their citizens.
