Cambodia Is Committed to Eradicating Online Scams and Strengthening International Cooperation

The recent sanctions announcement by the US Treasury against individuals and entities allegedly linked to online scam operations serves as another reminder of the growing global threat posed by transnational cyber-enabled fraud. Online scams have become one of the fastest-growing forms of organised crime in the world, causing billions of dollars in losses, undermining trust in digital technologies and victimising people across continents.

Cambodia recognizes the seriousness of this challenge. The Royal Government of Cambodia has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to combating and ultimately eradicating online scam operations from its territory. The government has intensified law enforcement operations, strengthened inter-agency coordination, enhanced cooperation with international partners and taken action against criminal networks regardless of nationality.

At the same time, it is important to understand that Cambodia itself has been a victim of this global phenomenon.

The emergence of large-scale online scam operations was not unique to Cambodia. Similar criminal networks have appeared across many parts of Southeast Asia and beyond, exploiting globalisation, digital technologies, cryptocurrency, cross-border financial systems and weaknesses in legal and regulatory frameworks worldwide. These criminal groups are highly mobile, adaptive and sophisticated. They move across borders quickly, establish operations in multiple jurisdictions and constantly modify their methods to evade law enforcement.

Back in 2014, Cambodia was confronted with an emerging, insidious threat that developed unnoticed and infiltrated gradually into communities and economies. During Covid-19, the threat then evolved far more rapidly than the people and local authority could understand.

Traditional legal frameworks developed to combat conventional crimes often proved insufficient against cyber-enabled criminal enterprises operating across multiple countries and jurisdictions. As the nature of crime changed, Cambodia’s legal and enforcement institutions have had to adapt accordingly.

Another reality that deserves attention is the exploitation of legitimate economic development and international cooperation by criminal actors.

For decades, Cambodia has welcomed foreign investment as part of its development strategy. Cambodia’s close and mutually beneficial relationship with China has contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth, infrastructure development, industrialisation and poverty reduction. The overwhelming majority of Chinese businesses and investors in Cambodia are legitimate contributors to economic development and cooperation between the two countries.

Unfortunately, criminal elements have sought to exploit these legitimate economic ties and development opportunities for illicit purposes. These actors misuse business platforms, investment projects and cross-border networks as cover for criminal activities.

Cambodia welcomes constructive cooperation with all countries, including the US, China, ASEAN member states, international organisations, technology companies, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies. No single country can solve this problem alone. Effective action requires information sharing, legal cooperation coordinated law enforcement operations, capacity building, financial monitoring and collective efforts to disrupt the criminal ecosystems that sustain these operations.

Dr Eng Kokthay is a Cambodian historical and political researcher. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-Phnom Penh Post-

49 Thai national involved in online scam operations in Cambodia were deported via the Poipet International Border Checkpoint on June 23.