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Politics

Under foreign pressure, Cambodia dismantles some 'scam' compounds

But human trafficking still rife and government not doing enough, critics say

Though Cambodian officials have long referred to online scam operations -- many of which are based in the coast town of Sihanoukville (pictured) -- under the term illegal online gambling, they are starting to admit to more specific romance scams or fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. (Photo by Vann Soben)

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia -- Cambodian authorities have clamped down on some global cyber gangs in recent weeks by raiding their compounds and freeing more than a thousand of enslaved workers, but human rights groups say those criminal organizations have simply moved their operations to other areas.

"It's decentralizing criminality so it can be sustained," said a human rights investigator who did not want to be named.

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