Cambodia and UK sign agreement to combat online scam networks

Cambodia and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combat transnational online scam networks and human trafficking. The agreement, signed by UK Minister of State Lord Hanson and Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Sokha, focuses on intelligence sharing to track stolen funds, dismantle scam compounds, and rescue victims forced into digital fraud.

During the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS) in Phnom Penh, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that anti-scam efforts should foster international cooperation rather than being used as a pretext for territorial disputes. He noted that while Cambodia has faced challenges with scam centers near the Thai border, the industry is a cross-border issue that requires collective action from technology platforms and financial institutions.

Cambodian authorities are currently working to gather evidence against suspected masterminds behind large-scale cyber fraud operations. Chhay Sinarith, head of a government commission on combating fraud, stated that legal action against high-level enablers and protectors requires significant time and evidence. The crackdown follows reports that scam compounds in Southeast Asia have caused massive financial losses, including an estimated $10 billion stolen from Americans in 2024 alone.