Cambodia’s Commitment to Fighting Online Crime and Protecting All Lives

Photo: The interior of a scam operation on Phnom Penh’s Koh Pich which was raided last week. Supplied

-Opinion-
The tragic death of a 22-year-old South Korean who travelled to Cambodia to accept a fictitious job offer deeply saddens both our nations. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and the entire South Korean community. No life should be lost to violence, and we share the grief of this devastating loss.

At the same time, it is important to stress that Cambodia is not ignoring the issue of online scams, kidnappings and forced labour — we are fighting it every day. The government has launched vigorous efforts to dismantle all criminal networks operating within our borders. These include nationwide crackdowns, arrests and rescues of victims, many of whom are foreign nationals, including South Koreans.

In partnership with international organisations and regional allies, Cambodia has made significant progress. Thousands of victims have been freed, and many crime hubs shut down. Despite limited resources, Cambodian law enforcement remains committed to protecting everyone living in or visiting our country.

It is also crucial to recognise that such crimes are not unique to Cambodia. Neighbouring countries, including Thailand, face similar challenges with transnational criminal networks exploiting vulnerable people. Yet, the response to crimes in Cambodia sometimes appears disproportionately severe, particularly in some South Korean and Thai media outlets.

This is not new. During the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, may South Korean outlets sided with Thailand, portraying Cambodia as the aggressor despite international rulings favouring Cambodia. These one-sided narratives undermine mutual understanding and strain relationships.

Today, a similar pattern emerges regarding the recent tragedy involving the South Korean student. South Korea’s concern for its citizens’ safety abroad is justified and shared by Cambodia. However, this concern must be balanced with fairness and recognition of Cambodia’s ongoing efforts.

Cambodia values its strong ties with South Korea, built over decades through tourism, education, business and cultural exchange. Through mutual respect, trust and cooperation, we can better address cross-border crime challenges.

We call on the South Korean government and media to acknowledge Cambodia’s continuous efforts and to work alongside us through enhanced intelligence sharing, law enforcement cooperation and diplomatic support.

Cambodia is actively confronting these issues with resolve and transparency. What we need from the international community, especially our South Korean partners, is partnership rather than prejudice, dialogue rather than division.

Let this tragedy be a catalyst for deeper collaboration. Together, we can protect innocent lives and build a safer region.

Cambodia remains committed to justice, security and the well-being of everyone on its soil — including South Koreans. We extend our hand in friendship and partnership to South Korea and the global community as we face these challenges together.

Neang Sopheap is a Phnom Penh-based analyst. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
-The Phnom Penh Post-

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