Senate President Orders Crackdown on Officials Linked to Online Scam Networks

PHNOM PENH, May 24, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Senate President and former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen has ordered a sweeping crackdown on officials tied to online scam operations, warning that those complicit or negligent will face dismissal, prosecution, and asset freezes, officials said Sunday.

Speaking before more than 4,000 government and local leaders, Samdech Techo Hun Sen outlined a two-tier enforcement strategy aimed at dismantling technology-driven fraud networks.

Senate spokesman Chea Thyrith said the first tier targets officials directly involved in scam activities, who will be removed from office, prosecuted in court, and risk having their assets frozen. The second tier covers officials who fail to act against scams in their jurisdictions, including provincial and district governors, who could face dismissal or reassignment.

“You cannot succeed in fighting online scam operations if you only target the scammers but fail to take action against officials and those involved,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Sen was quoted as saying. He stressed that no leniency would be granted, regardless of personal ties or past contributions.

The remarks come as Cambodia intensifies efforts to combat cybercrime and cross-border fraud networks that have drawn regional and international scrutiny.

Since mid-2025, authorities have raided more than 250 suspected scam centers, shut down 91 casinos linked to fraud, deported over 13,000 foreign nationals, and prompted more than 200,000 voluntary departures.

A new law enacted in April 2026 imposes harsher penalties on ringleaders and participants, underscoring Phnom Penh’s zero-tolerance stance toward online scams.