Cambodia has pledged to completely eliminate telecom fraud networks operating within its borders, with authorities drafting new legislation to impose penalties of up to 30 years imprisonment and fines of US$500,000, a senior official said.
Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, who also heads the government's anti-cyberscam commission, told the Cambodia-China Times in an interview that the government is determined to "restore the country's image" through systematic enforcement and legal measures. He emphasized the crackdown is not driven by foreign pressure.
Since June last year, Cambodian authorities have dismantled 250 fraud dens, including 91 casinos, and repatriated nearly 6,000 Chinese nationals involved in such activities. Sinarith specifically thanked China's Ministry of Public Security for providing technical support and equipment.
Photo: Cambodia-China Times
A draft Anti-Telecom and Online Fraud Law, described as "one of the strictest laws ever," will be submitted to the cabinet for review on Friday. The proposed legislation would hold property owners criminally liable if they rent premises to fraud syndicates, even if they claim ignorance, and would prosecute public officials who provide protection.
Sinarith acknowledged that investigations have revealed the existence of "backers" protecting these operations, stating that "surgery" is needed to hold them accountable.
Regarding the government's target of eliminating telecom fraud by the end of April, Sinarith explained the deadline is designed to pressure local authorities into action, with officials facing consequences for inaction afterward. He described fraudsters currently "hiding like rats" but insisted authorities are determined to "catch all rats from every rat hole."
