Cambodian embassy in Japan defends anti‑scam record, calls for balanced reporting

TOKYO, June 15, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s embassy in Japan has defended the country’s record in tackling online scams and human trafficking, urging balanced reporting after media coverage raised concerns about the scale of cybercrime operations.

In a statement responding to reports by Nikkei Asia and The Japan Times citing Amnesty International findings, the embassy said the government regarded online scams, trafficking, money laundering and organised crime as serious threats to public security and economic stability.

It noted Prime Minister Hun Manet had made the fight against scam operations a national priority under a “zero‑tolerance policy.”

Authorities carried out more than 400 operations between July 2025 and May 2026, suspending or revoking 25 casino licences and referring 143 cases involving 1,458 suspects from 19 nationalities to court.

Officials said enforcement had led to the release or escape of thousands of victims, while Cambodia repatriated nearly 18,900 foreign nationals from 33 countries, including more than 2,200 women.

The embassy argued that the persistence of scams should not be seen as failure, stressing that criminal groups are highly organised, adaptable and transnational.

It said Cambodia’s response extended beyond police raids to include legislative reforms, stronger oversight, institutional changes and international cooperation.

Acknowledging concerns about victims being re‑trafficked, the embassy said Cambodia remained committed to strengthening protection and support mechanisms.

Addressing allegations of misconduct, it insisted the government maintained a strict zero‑tolerance policy toward corruption or collusion with criminal groups.

The statement concluded that online scams are a global challenge and progress should be assessed by both the difficulties that remain and the actions already taken.