Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has released a scathing report alleging that a dozen licensed casinos in Cambodia are functioning as hubs for abusive cyber-scam operations.
The report identifies specific venues in Sihanoukville, Poipet, Bavet, and Chrey Thum that remain approved by national regulators despite mounting evidence of forced labor and human trafficking.
Corporate Entities Named in the Investigation
The findings, based on survivors’ testimony and official licensing documents from the Commercial Gambling Management Commission, highlight several local operators. Notably, the report mentions three complexes under Anco Brothers Co Ltd—Crown Bavet, Crown Resorts Poipet, and Crown Casino Chrey Thom.
Amnesty clarified that while these venues share names with international brands like Crown (Australia) and Venetian (Macau/US), there is no evidence linking the global giants to these specific Cambodian operations. Other venues named include Majestic Hotel & Casino, Marinan International, and Golden Sea Casino.
A Call for Regulatory Accountability
Montse Ferrer, Amnesty International’s Co-Regional Director, highlighted the contradiction between the Cambodian government’s public crackdown on “pig butchering” scams and its continued licensing of venues linked to exploitation.
“It should be made clear why casinos that have been linked to trafficking and torture continue to be licensed. The information indicates that casino ventures in partnership with exploitative facilities continue to be officially recognized by the government,” Ferrer stated.
The report from Cambodia calls for an immediate overhaul of the licensing process near border regions to ensure that the iGaming sector is not providing a legal veneer for criminal syndicates worth an estimated $40 billion annually.
