Cambodia to Host International Conference on Combating Online Scams in September

Cambodia will host an international conference on combating online scams in September as part of its efforts to demonstrate its commitment to tackling cyber-enabled fraud, strengthen international cooperation, and restore the country's reputation on the international stage. According to a progress report on the nationwide crackdown on online scams endorsed during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at the Peace Palace on July 24, the conference will be held in Phnom Penh from Sept. 23 to 24 under the theme, "Together Towards Disrupting the Chain and Ending Online Scams." The event is expected to bring together ministerial-level leaders from 16 countries, senior technical officials from 14 countries, and representatives from six international organisations. The report noted that over the past year, Cambodia's nationwide campaign against online scams has produced results beyond expectations, with organised criminal networks, masterminds and accomplices dismantled through decisive law enforcement measures, enhancing Cambodia's standing in the international community. According to the report, authorities have carried out administrative inspections at 28,512 locations to verify the residency status of foreign nationals and investigated and raided 665 sites linked to online scam operations. Investigations were also conducted at all 195 licensed casinos across the country. Of these, 123 casinos showed no evidence of involvement in online scam activities, while the remaining 72 had already suspended operations. As of June 30, 2026, Cambodia had deported 21,102 foreign nationals of 38 nationalities, with most originating from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Law enforcement agencies have also submitted 268 cases to courts in 21 capital and provincial jurisdictions, involving 2,773 suspects. Of these, 2,200 suspects, including 353 women, remain in detention. Cambodian nationals account for 313 of the suspects, including 108 women. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Unit has taken action in three cases involving 14 suspects and continues to investigate additional cases. Prime Minister Hun Manet described the campaign against online scam networks as a significant success but instructed the relevant authorities to continue the crackdown without interruption. He stressed that eradicating the root causes of online scam networks is akin to "cleaning our own house," describing it as an essential step in strengthening Cambodia and reinforcing other sectors, particularly the national economy. By C. Nika