Cambodia and Canada Discuss Enhanced Legal Cooperation Against Online Scams

PHNOM PENH, Sept 22, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and Canada have discussed strengthening legal cooperation, including joint efforts to combat online scams and other forms of transnational crime, officials said Tuesday. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Koeut Rith met Canadian ambassador Christian DesRoches and colleagues in Phnom Penh on Sept 21, according to the Ministry of Justice. Rith outlined Cambodia’s campaign against online scam operations, calling them a form of transnational crime that requires cooperation between governments and international organisations. He said Cambodia remained open to working with partners to improve enforcement and prevention. DesRoches welcomed Cambodia’s efforts and said Canada was ready to provide support for the crackdown on online scams, the ministry said. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen legal cooperation, as countries in the region and beyond seek greater international coordination against scam networks that operate across borders and involve victims in multiple jurisdictions. Cambodia and Canada have maintained diplomatic ties for decades, covering political, development, economic and security issues. Relations have expanded in recent years: Canada upgraded its Phnom Penh mission to a full embassy in March 2025 under its Indo‑Pacific Strategy, and the two countries held their first bilateral consultations in Ottawa in September 2024.