Hun Manet: Cambodia Will Not Allow Online Scams to Re-Emerge
Hun Manet: Cambodia Will Not Allow Online Scams to Re-Emerge
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 16, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has declared that the country’s crackdown on online scams will continue indefinitely, saying authorities will not allow scam operations to re-emerge in Cambodia.
Speaking at the inauguration of Luang Mae Hospital in Phnom Penh on September 16, Hun Manet said Cambodia does not need to rely on casinos or online scams for economic growth and that the government would continue dismantling technology-enabled fraud networks.
“The crackdown on online scams will not retreat and has no time limit — it will continue,” Hun Manet said, stressing that authorities must prevent scam operations from returning after being dismantled.
The prime minister said Cambodia had made significant progress in changing its international image within only a few months, moving from facing accusations over online scam activities to being recognised for its efforts to combat the networks.
He pointed to Cambodia’s upcoming hosting of the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS-2026) on September 23–24 as evidence of growing international cooperation.
The conference, to be held in Phnom Penh under the theme “Acting Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams,” will bring together governments, law-enforcement agencies, international organisations, financial institutions, technology companies and other stakeholders.
Hun Manet said the international community’s participation in the conference represented significant recognition of Cambodia’s efforts to combat online scams.
“This is a source of great pride for us,” he said, according to reporting on his remarks, adding that international partners are now working with Cambodia to organise the conference.
Crackdown to continue after major operations
Cambodia has spent more than a year intensifying its campaign against online scam networks.
According to a government progress report released in July, authorities had inspected 28,512 locations, investigated or raided 665 sites linked to online scam operations, and deported more than 21,000 foreign nationals from 38 nationalities as of June 30, 2026.
Authorities have also said the campaign is not intended to be temporary. The government has described eliminating the roots of scam networks as part of a broader effort to strengthen national security, protect citizens and restore confidence in Cambodia’s economy and international reputation.
The official ICCOS website says the September 23–24 conference will focus on deepening international cooperation, exchanging best practices and strengthening partnerships to break the chain of online scams and eradicate transnational criminal networks.
Hun Manet’s latest remarks therefore signal that Cambodia intends to maintain the campaign beyond individual raids and enforcement operations, with the government presenting the fight against online scams as a continuing national and international priority.
