Amnesty International calls for investigation into casino abuse in Cambodia

(AsiaGameHub) –   Amnesty International has charged Cambodia’s casino regulator with effectively endorsing enterprises involved in severe violations, such as torture, human trafficking, and child labor.

The organization has highlighted 12 casinos that the Cambodia Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) authorized plans for between December 2025 and January 2026, noting that these venues function as scam compounds where documented human rights violations have occurred.

Among those listed are three Crown casinos in Poipet, Bavet and Chrey Thum – owned by Anco Brothers Co. Ltd – as well as the Majestic Two and Majestic Hotel & Casino, whose former Chair, Kuong Li, was charged at the beginning of 2026 with illegal recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud, and money laundering.

According to testimony from victims interviewed by Amnesty International, trafficked workers, often enticed by social media ads promising lucrative job opportunities, are detained against their will and compelled to participate in schemes that have defrauded victims of billions of dollars.

Amnesty International utilized site visits and victim testimonies to cross-reference official plans submitted to the CGMG. The organization documented abuses such as workers being subjected to torture and beatings with electric shock batons.

“The authorities must explain why casinos with proven ties to trafficking and torture continue to receive official approval,” said Montse Ferrer, Amnesty International’s Co-Regional Director.

“Every day that these casinos remain licensed is another day in which people on casino property are at risk of human rights abuse.

“Our research establishes a clear link between Cambodia’s licensed casinos and its scamming compounds. At a time when the government claims to be dismantling the scamming industry, the evidence shows it is simultaneously approving plans for casino properties where abusive scamming compounds are run.”

Authorities in Cambodia have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to addressing scam compounds; Reuters reported that approximately 190 scam centers were closed down in February.

Last week, Cambodia’s Parliament also passed the first cybercrime law dedicated to targeting the perpetrators of online scams. Once implemented, those convicted will face between two to five years in prison and fines up to $125,000. Sentences for scams conducted by gangs or against many victims can extend up to 10 years.

However, Amnesty International has accused the Cambodian government of “deliberately ignoring a litany of human rights abuses” and police forces in the country of collusion with compound bosses to avoid enforcement action.

A report published in June 2025 by the charity identified 53 scamming compounds, and over half were linked to casinos, as gangs often repurpose former casinos and hotels into centers for fraud.

“The Cambodian authorities know what is going on inside scamming compounds, yet they allow it to continue. Our findings reveal a pattern of state failures that have allowed criminality to flourish and raise questions about the government’s motivations,” Ferrer said in June.

She added that the latest revelations demonstrate that the casino sector requires “investigation and accountability,” and demanded that the Cambodian government immediately suspend the gambling licences of the casinos identified until a “full, independent and transparent investigation into the violations documented at these sites” is conducted.

The CGMC and the companies named failed to respond to Amnesty International over the allegations. According to a statement released on 5 April, the CGMC has revoked the licence of the Shang Hai Resort, a casino not named by Amnesty International, after raids found evidence of activity related to scam compounds.

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