Over 3,000 Bangladeshis expelled from Cambodia in 9 months

During the first nine months of 2026, Cambodian immigration authorities deported over 3,000 Bangladeshi nationals as part of operations against online fraud. In the same period, a total of 52,039 citizens from 87 countries were detained and deported. However, how many of those deported were involved in online fraud, or were victims of human trafficking who had been coerced into such activities hasn’t been made clear yet.

BTV News Global, a Cambodia-based media outlet, reported this information on Tuesday, citing data from the country’s General Department of Immigration. According to the report, law enforcement agencies in Cambodia conducted 3,104 operations between January and September of this year. These operations led to the detention and deportation of 52,039 individuals from 87 countries. This figure represents an increase of 41,685 people, more than 400 percent, compared to the same period in 2025.

Among those deported Chinese nationals were amongst the most, numbering approximately 23,000. Additionally, more than 8,000 Indonesians, over 4,000 Vietnamese, and more than 3,000 Bangladeshis were deported. Other groups include over 2,500 Pakistanis, nearly 2,000 nationals from Myanmar, and more than 1,500 Thai citizens.

The report states that more than 18,000 individuals from 38 countries among those deported were directly involved in online fraudulent activities. However, no specific breakdown was provided regarding how many of the Bangladeshi nationals were involved in such crimes.

Furthermore, between 2014 and September 30, 2026, Cambodia deported over 100,000 illegal foreign nationals from 113 countries. In the first nine months of this year, approximately 300 citizens from 21 countries were also deported following the completion of their prison sentences.

The 'Anirban Survivor Voice Foundation', an organization dedicated to rescuing and protecting victims of human trafficking, has emphasized the need for an impartial assessment to determine how many of the deported Bangladeshis were victims of human trafficking, and how many were coerced into criminal activities. 

According to the organization, not all who have been expelled should be labeled as perpetrators or individuals involved in online fraud without proper verification. The state needs to take initiative to identify those among them who are victims of human trafficking, recognize them as such, and ensure they receive the necessary protection.

-    NS