Cambodia Says Online Scam Fight Began Under Previous Government

Cambodia Says Online Scam Fight Began Under Previous Government

PHNOM PENH, March 6, 2026 — Cambodia’s campaign against online scam networks has been ongoing across successive administrations and will continue without pause, Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Friday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the annual review meeting of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, Hun Manet said efforts to combat cyber fraud began under the previous government led by former Prime Minister Hun Sen and have continued under the current administration.

“The crackdown on online scams is not new,” Hun Manet said, noting that earlier initiatives included the creation of special task forces targeting online gambling and cyber fraud operations.

He said the Interior Ministry has played a central role in leading the campaign, working with specialized units including immigration authorities and the national police.

The prime minister added that the fight against online scams is closely linked to broader issues such as national security, drug trafficking and organized crime, requiring coordinated action across government agencies.

At the start of the current administration in 2025, Cambodia established a national committee to combat technology-related fraud, chaired by Hun Manet with Deputy Prime Ministers Sar Sokha and Neth Savoeun serving as vice-chairs.

Hun Manet acknowledged that online scams exist in Cambodia but said the problem is global in scope, affecting many countries. He pledged that Cambodian authorities will continue enforcement efforts despite progress already achieved.