Cambodia Promulgates Law to Combat Online Scams

Cambodia Promulgates Law to Combat Online Scams

PHNOM PENH, April 6, 2026 — Cambodia has enacted a sweeping new law to combat online scams, introducing harsh penalties including life imprisonment for those behind large-scale fraud operations.

The legislation was promulgated on Monday under a royal decree signed by acting head of state Hun Sen, following final approval by the Senate on April 3. The law takes effect immediately.

Under the new framework, individuals identified as leaders of online scam networks face prison terms of 15 to 30 years, or life imprisonment if their operations result in deaths.

Ringleaders of scam centres could face five to 10 years in jail and fines of up to 1 billion riels (about $250,000), with penalties rising to 10 to 20 years and fines of up to 2 billion riels if their activities involve violence, torture, human trafficking, forced labour or illegal detention.

Lower-level participants face between two and five years in prison and fines of up to 500 million riels.

The law marks a significant escalation in Cambodia’s efforts to dismantle cyber scam networks, which have drawn international scrutiny in recent years.

Sar Sokha said earlier this year that authorities had deported more than 30,000 suspected foreign scammers, while over 210,000 others had left the country voluntarily amid intensified crackdowns since mid-2025.

Officials say the new law is aimed at strengthening public security, restoring Cambodia’s international reputation and deterring transnational cybercrime.

Cambodia has emerged as a key battleground in Southeast Asia’s fight against online fraud, with authorities stepping up enforcement and regional cooperation to curb the networks.