Cambodia Passes Landmark Cybercrime Law Amid Crackdown on Scam Centres

Cambodia has passed its first dedicated cybercrime law aimed at tackling scam centres accused of defrauding victims worldwide of billions of dollars, as international pressure mounts on governments to curb such operations.

Justice Minister Keut Rith said the legislation is designed to strengthen the country’s ongoing crackdown and prevent the return of scam operations. He described the law as a strict measure intended to eliminate online fraud while protecting Cambodia’s economic interests, tourism sector, and investment climate.

The bill will now be sent to the king for final approval before becoming law.

Under the new legislation, individuals convicted of online scams face prison terms of two to five years and fines of up to $125,000. More serious offences—such as scams involving organised groups or multiple victims—carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching $250,000.

The law also introduces penalties for related crimes, including money laundering, collecting victims’ personal data, and recruiting individuals into scam operations.

Until now, Cambodia has relied on broader charges such as fraud, money laundering, and exploitation-related offences to prosecute offenders, lacking a law specifically targeting cyber scams.

The move follows growing international scrutiny, including sanctions and indictments from foreign governments. Countries have increasingly pointed to Cambodia as a hub for cyber scam networks operating across Southeast Asia.

Recently, United Kingdom authorities sanctioned operators of what they described as the country’s largest fraud complex, along with an online marketplace dealing in stolen personal data. These actions highlighted the rapid expansion of scam centres in the region, where workers are often confined and forced to carry out online fraud.

While Cambodian authorities have previously downplayed the scale of such operations, officials say the latest crackdown is more comprehensive, targeting hundreds of sites and senior figures behind the networks.

In related developments, Cambodia recently extradited Li Xiong to China over alleged money laundering activities. Earlier this year, Chinese-Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi was also arrested and extradited, marking a significant escalation in enforcement efforts.