Cambodian PM Stresses Cyber Fraud Crackdown at International Conference, Warns Against Sovereignty Violations

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, speaking at the opening of the "International Conference on Combating Cyber Fraud (ICCOS)" in Phnom Penh on September 23, 2026, highlighted the importance of combating online scams and warned against violating the sovereignty of other nations under the guise of such measures. He stressed that combating cyber fraud is a "permanent national security duty" and not merely an image-building campaign. Prime Minister Hun Manet clearly stated that combating cyber fraud must not be used as a "pretext" for military force or the occupation of another state's territory, which would constitute a violation of international law. He pointed out that such actions are grave violations of international law. The Prime Minister revealed that Cambodia has "completely eradicated all large-scale fraud locations" within the country, asserting that even if criminal organizations attempt to break down into smaller, decentralized operations, law enforcement agencies remain highly vigilant and ready to immediately suppress any emerging threats. He also expressed Cambodia's unwavering resolve to prevent the nation from becoming a haven for cyber fraud and to eradicate criminal networks that destroy the country's progress and the lives of its people. He explained that Cambodia's involvement in the cyber fraud industry was linked to the growth of online gambling and casino-related businesses. He noted that criminal networks have evolved and adapted rapidly across borders, exploiting real estate, regulatory loopholes, and complex cross-border telecommunications networks to build an ecosystem of transnational fraud. Prime Minister Hun Manet mentioned Cambodia's establishment of the National Committee for Combating Cyber Fraud (CCOS) in February 2025 and the passage of the Law on Combating Cyber Fraud in April 2026. These measures have enabled the deployment of a unified, whole-of-government and whole-of-society campaign aimed at permanently eradicating these criminal networks. Furthermore, he stated that Cambodia is accelerating the development of specialized legislation, including laws on cybersecurity, cybercrime, and a virtual asset management framework, and became a signatory to the UN Convention on Cybercrime last year. Referencing the great civilization built by Cambodian ancestors, such as Angkor Wat, Prime Minister Hun Manet said that the current generation of Cambodians has a noble responsibility to protect the nation's honor and ensure it continues to be known as a country of heritage, resilience, peace, and progress. He also recalled the history of Cambodia achieving significant economic and social development based on peace and stability, following former Prime Minister Hun Sen's "Win-Win Policy" that ended decades of internal conflict. Source: CEN Cambodia