Hun Sen Says No Mercy for Officials Failing to Fight Online Scams
Hun Sen Says No Mercy for Officials Failing to Fight Online Scams
PHNOM PENH, May 24, 2026 — Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen warned that officials linked to online scam operations would face dismissal, asset freezes and possible criminal prosecution as the government intensifies its crackdown on cyber fraud networks.
Speaking during a meeting with more than 4,300 Phnom Penh municipal and district officials on Sunday, Hun Sen said eliminating online scam operations remained an urgent national priority and stressed that authorities must target both criminal groups and officials protecting or enabling them.
He said disciplinary measures would be implemented at two levels.
Under the first level, officials directly involved in online scam activities would not only be removed from their positions but also prosecuted through the courts and subjected to asset freezes.
Under the second level, officials who fail to take action against online scam operations in their jurisdictions would also face dismissal from office.
Hun Sen specifically warned provincial governors, district governors and local security officials that there would be “no exceptions” for those failing to cooperate with the anti-scam campaign.
“Cambodia must show the world its determination to eliminate online scam activities,” he said.
The former prime minister also revealed that authorities had identified ongoing online scam activities in Ratanakiri province and instructed newly appointed provincial governors, police chiefs and military police commanders in Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri provinces to take the strongest possible measures against the networks.
The remarks came amid a broader nationwide campaign by Cambodian authorities to dismantle transnational cybercrime operations and online scam compounds, particularly in border provinces and major urban centres.
Hun Sen additionally urged officials to maintain public security through continued implementation of the government’s “Safe Village-Commune” policy, including crackdowns on drug trafficking, robbery and organised crime.
During the event, he also expressed support for government reforms introducing bank-based salary payments for military and police personnel, saying the system would improve transparency and ensure accurate salary distribution.
Hun Sen further called on authorities to continue supporting frontline soldiers, disabled veterans and families of fallen servicemen, while also urging local administrations to resolve land disputes more efficiently, especially through out-of-court mediation.
He also appealed to Phnom Penh authorities to ensure the successful organisation of the upcoming Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia is scheduled to host in the coming months.
