Cambodia Cracks Down on 50 Scam Locations with FBI Cooperation

The Cambodian Ministry of Interior has announced the successful dismantling of 50 scam locations spread across seven provinces, in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This operation is a result of bilateral cooperation between the Cambodian National Police and the FBI, as well as trilateral cooperation involving the National Police, the General Department of Immigration, and the FBI, stemming from Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed in 2016 and 2019. According to the Ministry's spokesperson, Mr. Touch Socheak, Cambodian authorities investigated six individuals suspected in cryptocurrency-related cases at the request of the FBI, but found no evidence linking them to the alleged offenses. Investigations into three IP addresses also failed to identify the users, and this information was relayed back to the American side. Furthermore, Cambodian police investigated two additional cases of alleged cryptocurrency investment fraud. The Ministry of Interior's specialized forces found no evidence that the suspects were involved in cryptocurrency investment. Mr. Socheak added, "Our authorities also investigated the identity of a suspicious vehicle suspected of serving technology-enabled fraud, as requested by our friendly party. As a result, specialized forces found that the vehicle owner had moved to a new residence, leaving no trace for further investigation." In the framework of combating scam offenses, the spokesperson stated that the FBI provided information related to 50 technology-enabled fraud locations within seven provinces: Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Kandal, Svay Rieng, Kampot, Tboung Khmum, and Preah Sihanouk. He affirmed, "After receiving this information, national and sub-national authorities under the Ministry of Interior launched operations to investigate, identify suspects, and successfully crack down on and clear out all 50 of these locations." Regarding the scam cases, the spokesperson added that the Director of the FBI visited the Kingdom of Cambodia to hold discussions with Prime Minister Hun Manet. The Prime Minister highly praised Cambodia's strong commitment to eradicating technology-enabled fraud, emphasizing Cambodia's openness, transparency, and accountability in its cooperation with the FBI, demonstrating its commitment and integrity. The FBI Director reportedly told prominent global media that the results of the cooperation between Cambodia and the FBI were a success for the United States in cracking down on technology-enabled fraud in Cambodian territory. He further stated that the FBI continues to provide information and that the Cambodian side has welcomed it with sincerity, integrity, and responsibility, truly committed to eradicating technology-enabled fraud, unequivocally refuting any distorted or colored narratives from certain groups or countries. It is recalled that in 2016, the Cambodian National Police signed a bilateral MOU with the FBI on information exchange, fingerprints, and DNA. Until 2019, the National Police and the General Department of Immigration signed a trilateral MOU with the FBI, with two main objectives: 1) To cooperate in investigating and combating criminals involved in terrorism, human trafficking, smuggling of persons, sex tourism, child offenses, illegal drug trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, cybercrimes, and apprehending fugitives, among others. 2) To establish a joint task force. By: Ms. Seng Sokhoun Source: Kampuchea Thmey Daily