Cambodia, UNODC call online scams transnational crime needing global cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Jan 22, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said Wednesday that online scams amount to transnational organized crime and require strong global cooperation to dismantle criminal networks.

The position was underscored during a meeting between Chhay Sinarith, senior minister in charge of special missions and head of the National Committee for Combating Technology-Based Scams, and Rebecca Miller, UNODC regional coordinator for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Sinarith warned that technology-based scams are closely linked to human trafficking, forced labour, torture, murder and drug-related offences, posing serious threats to human rights and human dignity. He said Cambodia has introduced strict measures to prevent and crack down on such crimes.

Miller praised Cambodia’s efforts and reaffirmed UNODC’s support, stressing that no country can tackle online scams alone. “International cooperation is essential to effectively address these crimes,” she said.

Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration through training, capacity building, public awareness campaigns and joint efforts to dismantle organized criminal groups operating across borders.