Cambodia Drafts First Law to Combat Online Scam Centers

Cambodia has drafted its first law specifically targeting online scam centers, aiming to dismantle operations that have defrauded victims worldwide of billions of dollars annually. The legislation, which is pending parliamentary approval, was announced by Information Minister Neth Pheaktra and is part of the government's commitment to eliminate these centers by the end of April 2026. The proposed law includes severe penalties, with prison sentences ranging from five to 30 years for those involved in organizing or managing technology fraud sites, depending on the severity of the crimes, including human trafficking and violence.

Cambodia Creates First Anti-Scam Law After Promising April Shutdown

Cambodia has become a significant hub for online scams, particularly those involving fake investment schemes and fraudulent romantic relationships. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has estimated that the global cyberscam industry generates revenues as high as $64 billion annually. Many individuals, particularly from neighboring Asian countries, are lured to Cambodia with false job offers and subsequently forced to work in these scam operations under dire conditions. The Cambodian government has reported that nearly 10,000 scam workers from 23 countries have been repatriated since the crackdown began in July 2025.

ABC News AustraliaUsNews and World ReportCambodia Creates First Anti-Scam Law After Promising April ShutdownCambodia approves draft law targeting cyberscammers

Since July 2025, Cambodian authorities have targeted 250 locations suspected of conducting online scams, successfully shutting down approximately 200 of these operations. Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, who leads the Commission for Combating Online Scams, stated that 79 legal cases have been initiated against 697 alleged scam ringleaders and their associates. Despite these efforts, experts express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the government's approach, noting that previous crackdowns have failed to dismantle the underlying systems that support these criminal enterprises.

ABC News Australia

Critics, including Jacob Sims, a visiting fellow at Harvard University’s Asia Center, argue that the current legislative efforts may not adequately address the broader networks that enable scam operations. "The real question is whether this effort targets the system that enables the industry, not just the buildings where scams happen," Sims stated. Concerns have also been raised about the government's ability to enforce the law effectively, given the historical context of previous enforcement campaigns that did not significantly impact the scam industry.

Cambodia Creates First Anti-Scam Law After Promising April Shutdown

Minister Neth Pheaktra emphasized the importance of this law in protecting Cambodia's reputation and economy, which have been adversely affected by online scams. He stated, “This law is the most important legal instrument for Cambodia in combating scams online, fighting money laundering and demonstrating that Cambodia is not a paradise or a safe haven for criminals.” The government plans to continue its crackdown on scam centers, with expectations that the new legislation will pass easily in the ruling party-dominated parliament.

UsNews and World Report

While the Cambodian government claims to have made significant progress in shutting down scam operations, some analysts question the sustainability of these efforts. There are concerns that without addressing the financial and protective networks that support these scams, operations may quickly reconstitute. Additionally, the lack of independent reporting and oversight complicates the verification of the government's claims regarding the effectiveness of its anti-scam initiatives.

ABC News Australia

• “This law is the most important legal instrument for Cambodia in combating scams online, fighting money laundering and demonstrating that Cambodia is not a paradise or a safe haven for criminals.” — Neth Pheaktra, Information Minister

Cambodia Creates First Anti-Scam Law After Promising April Shutdown

• “The real question is whether this effort targets the system that enables the industry, not just the buildings where scams happen. Past crackdowns in Cambodia have often left the financial and protection networks intact, allowing operations to quickly reconstitute.” — Jacob Sims, Expert on Transnational Crime

Cambodia Creates First Anti-Scam Law After Promising April Shutdown