Cambodia Hosts International Conference on Combating Cyber Scams, PM Vows 'No Haven for Criminals'

Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia stated on September 23, 2026, at the opening of the International Conference on Combating Cyber Scams in Phnom Penh, that Cambodia will not become a safe haven for cyber fraud. The conference aims to exchange views and reaffirm a strong commitment to jointly combat the complex threats of the digital age. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that confronting emerging cross-border crimes, which have become a distinct phenomenon since the COVID-19 pandemic, requires courage to face difficult truths, acknowledge systemic weaknesses, and address them without hesitation. He asserted that Cambodia will not allow criminal networks to undermine the pride of the nation and the livelihoods of its over 17 million citizens. The Prime Minister added that the cyber fraud industry did not originate in Cambodia, nor did it solely emerge there. Cambodia's initial involvement was linked to the growth of online gambling and related businesses. Furthermore, criminal networks have rapidly adapted and evolved across borders, exploiting loopholes in real estate, commerce, and telecommunications to create an ecosystem of cross-border fraud. Prime Minister Hun Manet also stressed that Cambodia takes full responsibility for ensuring its border security, enforcing its laws, and restoring the integrity of its national jurisdiction. The international conference is expected to serve as a crucial platform for participating nations to share insights and collectively confront the urgent challenge of cyber fraud. Source: AKP Khmer