Cambodia Intensifies Online Scam Crackdown in Banteay Meanchey, Directing Resident Data Collection and Awareness Campaigns

In Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province, the provincial governor has ordered the strengthening of measures against online scams, including thorough legal awareness campaigns for residents and accurate statistical tracking of individuals residing in accommodations. This directive stems from the recognition that effective prevention and eradication of technology-based fraudulent activities (online scams) are achievable only through the responsible cooperation of all stakeholders. During a dissemination meeting on the "Law on Combating Technology Scams and Sub-Decree No. 03 on Security and Safety Management of Collective Residential Areas," held on July 22, 2026, at the Svay Chek district hall, Governor Oum Ratry urged local authorities, all types of armed forces, and owners of guesthouses and rental properties to enhance their cooperation and responsibility in preventing, blocking, and eliminating technological fraud crimes in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the safety, property, and peace of local residents. To translate the spirit of this law and sub-decree into concrete actions, the governor outlined several key measures and work objectives. This includes grassroots information dissemination, where local authorities, administrative police, and civil defense officers must conduct in-depth and widespread educational campaigns on the law to every household, ensuring residents are vigilant and do not fall victim. Regarding suspect management and acute statistics (Sub-Decree No. 03), relevant authorities must meticulously and precisely grasp the statistics of temporary residents in guesthouses, rental rooms, and other collective residential areas within Svay Chek district. Law enforcement will be uncompromising. Authorities and local administrations are required to strictly enforce the law, ensuring that "no leniency or negligence" is shown, allowing for illegal activities or covert online scam offenses to occur within their jurisdictions. Concurrently, the governor made a strong appeal to all guesthouse and rental property owners to heighten their sense of responsibility and cooperate closely with specialized authorities. They are urged to immediately report and provide information to the authorities if they observe or suspect any irregular activities occurring on their premises, thereby jointly maintaining public security, safety, and order.