Cambodia Considers Establishing National Center to Combat Online Scams

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Dr. Sar Sokha, has stated that Cambodia is considering the establishment of a national center to combat online scams. Speaking at an international conference on combating technology-based fraud on September 23rd in Phnom Penh, Dr. Sokha outlined four primary reasons for the global rise in online scams, including in Cambodia: 1) the ease of committing offenses with just internet access and an electronic device, 2) loopholes in laws and jurisdictions between countries, 3) low initial capital investment yielding high returns, and 4) shifts in people's lifestyles and commerce towards digital transactions and cryptocurrency. Dr. Sokha emphasized that the Cambodian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Hun Manet, considers the fight against online scams a top priority. Measures taken include the implementation of the "Law on Combating Technology-Based Fraud" and the establishment of various mechanisms, such as an ad-hoc committee and relevant legal frameworks. The Ministry of Interior, as the government's core advisory body, is actively studying the feasibility of establishing a "National Center for Combating Technology-Based Fraud" to enhance the efficiency and timeliness of addressing online scam cases. "The implementation of these legal frameworks and mechanisms is to support and achieve the strong political commitment of the head of government to eradicate online scams from Cambodia and prevent their recurrence," Dr. Sokha stressed. Furthermore, Dr. Sokha reported that from July 2025 to June 30, 2026, specialized forces within the Ministry of Interior cracked down on 665 online scam locations and inspected 28,512 business premises. Through these actions, authorities have compiled 268 case files sent to the courts, involving a total of 2,773 suspects. Of these, 2,200 are currently detained, and 21,102 foreigners from 38 nationalities have been deported from Cambodia in connection with online scams. Dr. Sokha affirmed Cambodia's commitment, stating that beyond domestic law enforcement and mechanisms, Cambodian authorities are cooperating with partner countries and international organizations. They have apprehended and repatriated several key figures and continue to collaborate to track down and arrest remaining fugitives, aiming to dismantle these criminal networks at their roots. Source: AKP Khmer