Cambodia Urges International Cooperation to Dismantle Online Scam Networks

AKP Phnom Penh, September 23, 2026 -- Cambodia has called for stronger international cooperation and concrete collective action to break the entire chain of online scams, stressing that they have become a complex transnational crime that no country can combat successfully on its own, said Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra at a press conference this afternoon. The international conference on Combating Online Scams, being held in Phnom Penh under the theme “Acting Together Towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams” today has demonstrated the Royal Government’s commitment to combat online scams and promoting international cooperation in addressing increasingly sophisticated forms of transnational crime. The Minister stressed that online scams are not a problem of any single country, as criminal networks operate across borders by exploiting people, technology, telecommunications infrastructure and illicit financial systems. Under the direct leadership of the Prime Minister, the Royal Government of Cambodia has strengthened special mechanisms and launched nationwide operations against online scams, involving ministries, institutions and law enforcement authorities at all levels, while expanding cooperation with partner countries and relevant international organisations. Based on its practical experience, Cambodia has recognised that dismantling scam compounds is necessary but not sufficient to eradicate the crime, he said. According to the Minister, effective action must target the entire criminal chain, ranging from human trafficking and forced labour to the misuse of technology and illicit financial flows that sustain criminal activities. H.E. Neth Pheaktra emphasised that the international conference is not merely a platform for exchanging views, but also an opportunity to mobilise political will, commitments and practical experience toward coordinated and implementable measures. The core spirit of the conference, he said, is that transnational crime requires transnational cooperation, mutual support and collective action. Cambodia hopes the conference will serve as an important step in transforming shared commitments into concrete joint action, breaking criminal chains and preventing technology-based scam networks from re-emerging. Today event has brought together participants from more than 27 countries and seven international organisations, with around 1,000 participants. By Heng Panha