Cambodia’s National Assembly has approved its first dedicated law to target scam centres accused of defrauding foreigners of billions of dollars, addressing growing international pressure to curb illicit cyber operations. Justice Minister Keut Rith said the law is part of an ongoing “cleaning operation” across the country, aiming to prevent the return of scam centres after recent crackdowns. The legislation seeks to send a clear signal to cyberscammers that Cambodia will not tolerate operations that exploit victims for financial gain, emphasizing national interests and economic stability. Authorities highlighted the significant impact of these scams on tourism, investment, and the country’s broader economy.
The new law establishes a legal framework with punishments ranging from two to five years in prison and fines up to $125,000 for individuals convicted of online scams. Offences carried out by organized gangs or targeting multiple victims carry higher penalties, with prison terms up to ten years and fines of $250,000. The legislation also criminalizes money laundering, recruitment of scammers, and the collection of victims’ data. Ringleaders of scam centres involved in human trafficking, forced detentions, or torture now face sentences up to twenty years and fines reaching $500,000. Cambodia previously had no specific legislation addressing scams, although suspects had been charged under fraud, money laundering, or exploitation-related offences.
The passage of the law comes amid international criticism and sanctions targeting Cambodia as a hub for cyberscam operations. In recent months, Britain sanctioned operators of a large-scale fraud complex in the country, along with an online cryptocurrency marketplace used to trade stolen personal data. These operations were described as part of a fast-growing network in Southeast Asia where workers are confined in guarded compounds and coerced into committing online fraud. The US Department of State has noted that official complicity at senior levels in Cambodia had previously hindered effective law enforcement, though the government denies any involvement. United Nations experts have reported that hundreds of thousands of individuals of various nationalities are trapped in such operations and forced to carry out cyber fraud.
Several countries in the region have introduced stringent anti-cyberscam laws to counter rising online fraud, including romance and cryptocurrency scams. For example, Singapore imposes corporal punishment in extreme cases to deter serious offenders. Cambodia’s legislation aligns with this broader regional effort while establishing clear penalties, legal definitions, and enforcement mechanisms for cybercrime. The law will now proceed to the king for final signature, marking a significant step toward formalizing legal protections against online fraud and organized scam networks in the country.
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