Cambodia Vows to Strengthen International Cooperation Against Sophisticated Cyber Scams

The Ministry of Interior of Cambodia has recognized cyber scams as a complex and rapidly evolving crime that transcends borders, posing a serious threat to regional and global security, economy, and society. During the first forum of the International Conference on Combating Cyber Scams, held in Phnom Penh on September 23, 2026, Secretary of State Keo Vannthoun stated that cyber scams, which began as individual fraudulent acts, now operate without geographical limitations, with perpetrators and victims located in different places and countries. He emphasized that cyber scams are complex and interconnected offenses that have evolved rapidly, fostering an ecosystem of transnational crime by linking with other illicit activities such as human trafficking, forced labor, drug trafficking, and money laundering. Criminals exploit legal loopholes and the limitations of law enforcement jurisdictions. To counter this, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has established cooperation mechanisms and technological tools, enabling member countries to exchange real-time information, track illicit financial flows, and coordinate law enforcement operations against transnational scam networks. For instance, INTERPOL's I-GRIP (Global Rapid Intervention of Payments) allows member countries to report illicit asset flows promptly for cooperation in freezing, confiscating, and recovering them in accordance with their respective national laws. This mechanism not only helps in timely asset freezing but also assists law enforcement in identifying the individuals behind these scam crimes. At the regional level, ASEAN has also been strengthening its regional response through initiatives such as the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Technological Crimes and Cyber Scams, adopted in 2025, and the ASEAN Guidelines on Policy and Best Practices for Combating Scams. These demonstrate ASEAN's commitment to enhancing regional cooperation to prevent and combat this type of crime. Domestically, Cambodia has implemented continuous countermeasures in response to the evolution of cyber scams. During the sixth legislature of the National Assembly, the Ministry of Interior took measures against human trafficking and cracked down on illegal online gambling. Subsequently, a special inter-ministerial committee was established to combat cyber scams. Although the Ministry of Interior's campaign has suppressed some scam locations, it has not been able to completely sever these networks, as cyber scam activities continue to evolve, employing new technologies and sophisticated tactics, becoming increasingly complex and intertwined. Given the complexity and severe risks associated with this crime, in 2025, the Royal Government decided to establish a special mechanism, the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Combating Cyber Scams, directly led by the Prime Minister. Through the issuance of orders, guidelines, and inter-institutional coordination, Cambodia has launched a nationwide campaign to eradicate cyber scams, achieving significant and commendable results. Secretary of State Vannthoun affirmed that cyber scams are a transnational crime and a shared challenge for the region and the world, requiring collective responsibility. He stressed that cooperation must be based on shared responsibility and mutual respect, adhering to the principles of respecting national sovereignty and domestic laws. Confronting well-organized criminal groups, he concluded, necessitates Cambodia to act "as one, act together, and be committed together."