Prime Minister Hun Manet declared on 22/9 that Cambodia will not tolerate transnational online scam operations within its borders. Speaking at a global conference on combating online scams in Phnom Penh, he emphasized, "Cambodia will not allow criminal gangs to undermine the country's development and the livelihoods of its more than 17 million citizens." He further affirmed Cambodia's commitment to strengthening international cooperation, including real-time intelligence sharing, stating, "Cambodia will never be a safe haven for online scam criminals."

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Brussels on 25/2. Photo: AFP

Chhay Sinarith, a senior official at Cambodia's Special Committee on Combating Online Scams (CCOS), explained that while Cambodia is not the origin of online scams, it has been exploited by criminal networks as an operational base. Sinarith noted that these transnational networks use Cambodian territory to conduct online scam operations targeting victims in many countries, including Cambodian citizens.

The negative impact of online scams extends beyond individual victims, affecting national security, public order, tourism, investment, and the economy. Sinarith highlighted that these activities also damage Cambodia's international reputation and image. He reiterated Cambodia's readiness to fulfill its obligations and cooperate fully with all nations and organizations in a spirit of partnership, based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and adherence to national laws.

A group of suspected scammers arrested in a villa in Battambang, Cambodia, on 1/6. Photo: KhmerTimes

Cambodian authorities have previously stated on multiple occasions that they dismantled large-scale scam operations within the country. From July last year until 31/8, Cambodia froze over $300 million in assets related to online scam cases and prosecuted nearly 4,000 suspects.

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters, Khmer Times)