US Pledges Stronger Cooperation With Cambodia to Combat Online Scam Networks
US Pledges Stronger Cooperation With Cambodia to Combat Online Scam Networks
PHNOM PENH, Aug. 13, 2026 — The United States has reaffirmed its support for Cambodia’s efforts to combat transnational crime, including online scams, as Washington and Phnom Penh discuss stronger action against criminal networks operating scam centres in Cambodia.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Aleks Zittle met Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Koeut Rith to discuss Cambodia’s implementation of its Law on Combating Online Scams and the need to pursue not only individual perpetrators but also the masterminds behind scam operations and those who enable such networks to operate.
The U.S. Embassy said the discussions also covered the extensive technical assistance Washington is providing to help Cambodia counter the threat posed by transnational criminal groups operating online scam centres in the country.
A key focus of the U.S. position is the investigation and prosecution of those who organise, direct and facilitate online scam operations, rather than focusing solely on lower-level actors involved in the schemes.
The United States said it would continue working with Cambodia to strengthen law-enforcement cooperation and help protect U.S. citizens and others from transnational criminal networks involved in online fraud.
The discussions come as Cambodia continues strengthening its legal and enforcement mechanisms against online scams, which have become a major transnational crime concern involving organised criminal groups, fraudulent online platforms and victims in multiple countries.
The latest U.S.–Cambodia engagement therefore signals Washington’s interest in closer cooperation with Phnom Penh on cyber-enabled transnational crime, criminal investigations, prosecution and technical capacity-building.
