Cambodia is preparing a new Anti-Telecom Fraud Law aimed at strengthening its crackdown on online and telecom-related scams. The proposed legislation would impose penalties of up to 30 years in prison. It would also introduce fines of up to $500,000 for individuals involved in scam operations.
The draft law, announced by anti-cyberscam commission secretary-general Chhay Sinarith, is expected to be reviewed by the Cambodian cabinet. Authorities say the law will provide stronger tools than existing cybercrime regulations to combat the growing threat of telecom fraud.
Liability for Property Owners and Officials
The proposed legislation expands responsibility beyond scam operators. It also targets property owners and facilitators who knowingly allow their premises to be used for fraud operations or recruitment activities.
Landlords will not be able to claim ignorance if their properties host scam networks. The law also introduces penalties for public officials who protect or support criminal groups. Furthermore, it addresses hidden networks that enable such operations.
Government Sets Deadline to Eliminate Scam Networks
Alongside the legislative push, Cambodian authorities have set a nationwide deadline by the end of April to eradicate telecom scam operations. After that, the government will review provincial enforcement efforts.
If scam networks continue operating in certain regions, local leaders and law enforcement officials could face administrative or criminal penalties. This would apply if they fail to act.
Ongoing Raids and International Cooperation
The draft law comes as Cambodia intensifies enforcement actions. Since June last year, authorities have dismantled around 250 scam compounds, including 91 operations linked to casinos.
Investigations have led to the prosecution of 679 suspects. Additionally, 8,989 individuals involved in scam activities have been deported. Nearly 6,000 of them are from China.
Cambodian authorities have also expanded cooperation with China as part of regional efforts to combat telecom fraud and cross-border scam operations.
