Cambodia Proposes 10 Points to Enhance International Cooperation Against Online Scams

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sar Sokha, presented 10 points to enhance international cooperation in combating online scams at the international conference ICCOS-2026, held in Phnom Penh on September 23, 2026. The conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Hun Manet, was themed "Online Scams: An Urgent Global Issue." Key proposals from Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha include: 1. Promoting timely information sharing and exchange. 2. Strengthening the investigation of financial networks. 3. Tightening border control and entry-exit management. 4. Enhancing public-private sector partnerships. 5. Promoting the exchange of expertise, experience, techniques, and training. 6. Strengthening victim protection. 7. Conducting joint and synchronized actions. 8. Establishing a global legal framework and norms. 9. Promoting global public awareness and education. 10. Research and development of intelligent technologies for combating crime. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the presence of national leaders, distinguished guests, and representatives of international organizations is clear evidence of the strong will and commitment to jointly fight and eliminate this transnational crime more effectively, aiming to ensure security, safety, and benefits for humanity worldwide. In response to the fight against online scams, the head of the Ministry of Interior highlighted the results achieved by authorities at all levels. From July 2025 to June 30, 2026, authorities cracked down on a total of 665 locations and conducted preventive measures through administrative inspections of 28,512 locations. Through these measures, 268 case files were built and sent to court, involving nearly 2,773 suspects, of whom 2,200 are currently detained. Additionally, 21,102 foreign nationals from 38 nationalities involved in these offenses were deported. Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha emphasized that the organization of the international conference on "Combating Online Scams" sends a message to all criminals that Cambodia, along with the entire world, will no longer allow online scams to exist on this planet. He stressed that there is no safe haven, no exit for illicit financial flows, and no exemption for any kingpin or transnational criminal network. Regardless of the form, the spirit and strength of international solidarity will pursue and crack down until these offenses are brought to an end. The conference has three main objectives: 1) to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving and complex ecosystem of online scam networks; 2) to strengthen international cooperation, coordination, and multi-party partnerships in combating online scams; and 3) to promote the exchange of experiences and best practices and to call for joint actions in combating online scams. The conference will adopt an outcome document that will provide a framework for strengthening international cooperation, information sharing, capacity building, prevention, law enforcement, victim protection, and coordinated responses to online scams and technology-enabled transnational crimes. Cambodia hosted the international conference on "Combating Online Scams (ICCOS)" for two days, from September 23 to 24, 2026, under the theme: "Together Towards Severing the Chain and Ending Online Scams." The event was attended by government leaders from over 27 countries worldwide, leaders from 7 major international organizations, and over 1,000 national and international guests.