According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia on May 27, there are signs that an increasing number of individuals who previously engaged in telecom scams in countries like Cambodia are now shifting their operations to Indonesia. Indonesian authorities have cracked down on multiple telecom scam dens.
The types of telecom scams currently prevalent in Indonesia include impersonation scams, currency exchange scams, visa scams, “pig butchering” scams, “lover scams,” and investment scams.
Recently, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Indonesia have received multiple cases of Chinese citizens seeking help after falling victim to telecom scams, with many suffering significant financial losses. The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Indonesia remind Chinese citizens to be vigilant and cautious of various scams, not to reveal personal information to strangers, and not to transfer money or click on suspicious links, in order to protect their financial security.
Despite efforts to crack down on telecom scams, Cambodia, which borders the “Golden Triangle,” still struggles with the issue, with many victims being lured, kidnapped, and forced into labor.
Critics argue that the Cambodian military has used these telecom scam dens as a cover while also serving as a protective umbrella, increasing their income. The Thai military previously discovered a large number of devices and documents suspected of being used for scams in buildings controlled by the Cambodian military during a border conflict last year.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet pointed out earlier this year that telecom scams pose a serious threat to the country and society, calling for unity to improve the country’s image and international reputation.
Under international pressure, the Cambodian authorities launched a massive crackdown on telecom scams on February 3, establishing a three-tier law enforcement system led by Hun Manet. Interior Ministry spokesperson Khieu Sopheak warned that local officials would be held responsible if telecom scams continued to exist after the deadline.
In 2025, Cambodian law enforcement agencies deported over 13,000 foreigners from 66 countries and regions, a 57% increase from the previous year. The 8th telecom scam den in Cambodia, which can accommodate 20,000 people, is still operating despite multiple international sanctions and law enforcement actions. It was found to be linked to the Prince Group and the Huayun Group. At least 10 businesses in the den received approximately $393,000 in USDT through blockchain transactions at the beginning of the year.
On the other hand, after Cambodia and Myanmar, traditional hotspots for telecom scams, increased their crackdown efforts, many scammers shifted their operations to Indonesia, where regulations are relatively lax. Some areas in Indonesia have lenient visa approval policies, and border control has blind spots, providing opportunities for cross-border scammers.
Additionally, the lack of uniform law enforcement standards across different provinces in Indonesia has left room for scam dens to operate covertly. Criminal gangs often operate in a “company-like” mode, with clear divisions of labor, and their dens are often located in remote villas or industrial parks, with a strong awareness of anti-surveillance.
According to statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, there are over 50,000 people engaged in scam-related activities in the region. Criminal groups lure citizens from various countries into participating in telecom scams with promises of “high-paying IT jobs” or “overseas work.” The scam groups have formed a complete black industry chain, from recruitment and trafficking to scam implementation and money laundering.
The embassy and foreign affairs departments remind Chinese citizens not to believe “high-paying job offers,” “travel companion” schemes, or “zero-threshold overseas work” opportunities, and to beware of “familiar traps.” Before traveling abroad, citizens should inform their families of their itinerary, work location, and contact information, and not participate in telecom scams with a mentality of “trying their luck.”
On May 27, the State Council Information Office held a press conference on the theme of “Starting the 15th Five-Year Plan.” At the conference, Teng Jigang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, introduced that the next step would be to crack down on telecom scams, online gambling, and other illegal activities that the public strongly opposes.
