Cambodia Intensifies Cyber Scam Crackdown, Plans International Conference

The Cambodian government is intensifying its crackdown on cyber scams, unequivocally stating its refusal to benefit from illicit gains. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated in 2025 that cyber scam revenues could range from $88.3 billion to $114.1 billion, yet Cambodia insists it does not seek any profit from these "black" and "grey" income sources derived from criminal activities that exploit victims. The Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, has demonstrated a strong and clear commitment to eradicating this crime. Since July 2025, the Secretariat of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Combating Cyber Scams (ICCCS) reports that Cambodian authorities have frozen approximately $300 million in assets related to these crimes. They have also dismantled 663 scam locations, with 86 of these centers being closed and managed. A total of 446 cases are currently undergoing judicial proceedings, involving 3,927 defendants, including ringleaders and their accomplices from 29 nationalities. Legal measures have also been applied to officials found to be involved in four cases, implicating 15 Cambodian officials such as deputy prosecutors, deputy directors-general of immigration, deputy police commissioners of Phnom Penh, former directors-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several police and military officers. Concurrently, over 22,000 foreigners from 38 nationalities have been repatriated to their home countries through legal procedures and in accordance with human rights standards, in close and sincere cooperation with relevant embassies. The ICCCS Secretariat emphasizes that large-scale cyber scam operations no longer exist in Cambodia. However, some scam activities persist, with criminals adapting their methods to smaller, clandestine operations conducted from rented rooms, guesthouses, condominiums, private homes, vehicles, or cafes. To continue combating this crime, Cambodian authorities are pursuing ongoing operations under the direct attention of the Prime Minister. Notably, on September 5, 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet personally inspected and monitored progress at former cyber scam sites in Koh Kong province, following the law enforcement forces' national campaign to restore security and national honor. This visit by the head of government sent a clear political message to the world: Cambodia is not a nation that passively awaits benefits from criminals bringing black and grey economies into the country. It also refutes accusations that Cambodia relies on such criminal activities for its survival. Furthermore, Cambodia will host an international conference on combating cyber scams from September 23-24, 2026, under the theme: "Jointly Severing the Chain and Ending Cyber Scams." This event aims to showcase the country's openness and readiness to cooperate with various partners in eradicating this transnational crime and preventing criminals from returning in the future. In summary, cyber fraud is a complex transnational crime that not only affects the security and safety of citizens but also pollutes the economic environment and damages the reputation of countries used as operational bases by criminal groups. For Cambodia, the fight against this crime requires political commitment, stringent law enforcement, and cooperation with relevant countries. The measures implemented, including the crackdown on scam locations, asset freezing, legal action against criminal leaders and networks, and investigations into involved officials, all demonstrate Cambodia's efforts to sever the black and grey economic sources stemming from this crime. Simultaneously, monitoring and clearing former scam bases are crucial steps in preventing the return of these criminal networks. However, ending cyber fraud cannot be achieved solely by shutting down locations or arresting offenders within one country, as criminal groups are transnational and can rapidly change their operational methods. Therefore, Cambodia must continue to strengthen law enforcement, financial oversight, information sharing, and international cooperation to prevent small-scale scams or new networks from re-emerging as major problems.