Phnom Penh Authorities Intensify Online Scam Crackdown, Instruct Districts on Expert Measures

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Authorities in Phnom Penh are set to bolster measures against online scams, with the Governor of Phnom Penh, Khuong Sreng, directing all 14 district administrations to proactively implement expert measures for identifying and apprehending suspects involved in technological fraud (online scams). The aim is to ensure timely and effective crackdowns, with districts required to submit regular monthly reports on their implementation progress to the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration. This directive was issued on the afternoon of July 28, 2026, during a meeting to monitor the progress of online scam crackdowns within the capital. The meeting was attended by the Commander of the Phnom Penh Municipal Gendarmerie, the Deputy Commissioner of Phnom Penh Municipal Police, and the administrators of all 14 districts, along with other relevant officials. The discussions focused on extracting experiences, identifying challenges encountered during past operations, and pinpointing shortcomings to facilitate improvements for better operational outcomes. Governor Khuong Sreng specifically instructed the district administrators to diligently enforce Sub-decree No. 03, which mandates owners or managers of shared accommodation and other locations to cooperate by providing accurate information to the authorities. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of strengthening the provision of public services to citizens through the district-level One-Stop Service Offices and the commune-level One-Stop Service mechanisms, ensuring alignment with existing directives on administrative service delivery at the sub-national level. This intensified focus on combating online scams reflects Cambodia's growing digital landscape and the associated challenges of cybercrime. The government's efforts underscore a commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining trust in the nation's digital transformation initiatives.