Behind Cambodia’s casino boom lies a darker reality that few people talk about openly.

What started as rapid investment and online gambling growth has increasingly become linked to cyber scams, human trafficking, forced labor, and international criminal networks operating from casino compounds and special economic zones.

Former workers, investigators, and international organizations describe a system where thousands of people were allegedly lured through fake job offers, had passports confiscated, and were forced to participate in online fraud targeting victims around the world.

In this premium investigation, we explore:

• how scam compounds emerged in Cambodia

• the transformation of cities like Sihanoukville

• alleged links between casinos and cybercrime

• trafficking stories from victims and witnesses

• and the growing international pressure on Cambodia’s digital reputation

Read the full investigation to uncover the hidden side of Cambodia’s casino economy.