Nearly 100 Indonesians fled an online scam compound in Kandal, sparking gunfire and arrests
A shocking revolt broke out in Chrey Thum, Kandal Province, Cambodia, when nearly 100 Indonesian workers escaped from an online scam company that had lured them with false job promises. The incident exposed the growing crisis of human trafficking and forced labor in Southeast Asia’s digital scam industry.
The Revolt in Chrey Thum
On October 17, 2025, chaos erupted in Chrey Thum City, Kandal Province, when 97 Indonesian nationals rebelled and fled from an online scam compound where they had been forced to work. Local authorities confirmed that gunshots were heard during the breakout, though no Indonesian casualties were reported.
The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Phnom Penh immediately coordinated with Cambodian police to verify the incident. Embassy officials visited the Chrey Thum City Police Office, meeting with Kandal Governor Kouch Chamrouen and Provincial Police Chief Major General Chhoeun Sochett to ensure the safety and legal protection of the detained Indonesians.
Dozens Detained, Four Arrested
According to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 86 of the 97 workers were secured at the police station, while 11 were hospitalized for minor injuries. Among them, four Indonesians were detained for allegedly committing violence during the rebellion.
“Based on initial investigation, these four were suspected of attacking other Indonesians during the chaos,” said Judha Nugraha, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens and Legal Entities at the Foreign Ministry.
Judha emphasized that the embassy would provide legal assistance for all the workers, including those under detention. The KBRI also distributed food, medicine, hygiene kits, and women’s supplies to support the detainees.
A Growing Transnational Crisis
This is not the first time such violence has occurred. Earlier in October 2025, another riot broke out in Sihanoukville, another Cambodian hub for online fraud, though no Indonesians were involved in that incident.
Since 2020, more than 10,000 Indonesian citizens have been trapped in similar online scam operations across 10 countries, including Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines. These syndicates, often masquerading as tech or call center companies, force victims into cyber fraud or cryptocurrency scams targeting global victims.
Embassy Efforts and Repatriation Plans
Judha confirmed that KBRI Phnom Penh is actively assisting Cambodian authorities in processing the repatriation of the Indonesians. The 86 detainees will be transferred to immigration detention in Phnom Penh before being deported to Indonesia.
“Our team has gained full consular access. No one is in a life-threatening condition,” Judha stated. “We are working with local authorities to ensure their rights are respected and to facilitate their safe return.”
Lessons for Indonesian Job Seekers
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Indonesians to be cautious of fraudulent overseas job offers, particularly those promising high salaries with minimal qualifications. Many such offers lead to trafficking networks exploiting workers in illegal operations.
Judha reminded the public to verify any overseas employment opportunity through official government channels and to understand the restrictions under Law No. 18 of 2017 on Migrant Worker Protection.
The Chrey Thum incident underscores a growing regional threat: Southeast Asia’s booming online scam networks that prey on economic desperation. For Indonesia and its neighbors, this tragedy is a call for stronger bilateral coordination, worker protection policies, and digital crime enforcement. Only through cooperation can such human exploitation be dismantled before more lives are deceived and endangered.
Sources: Kumparan (2025) , RRI (2025)
Keywords: Indonesian Workers, Cambodia Scam, Online Scam Syndicate, Forced Labor, Human Trafficking, KBRI
