Cambodia Enacts Stricter Laws Against Online Scams with Severe Penalties
Synopsis
Cambodia's National Assembly has passed a significant law targeting online scams, imposing harsh penalties on scam leaders, including potential life imprisonment. This legislation aims to combat the growing issue of cybercrime in the region and restore the nation's international reputation.
Key Takeaways
New law targets online scams with severe penalties.
Life imprisonment for scam bosses if operations lead to deaths.
Intensified crackdown on cyber crime in Cambodia.
Unanimous support from lawmakers for the legislation.
Commitment to eradicating scam centers by April.
Phnom Penh, March 30 (NationPress) On Monday, the National Assembly of Cambodia approved a new draft law aimed at tackling online scams, imposing penalties of up to 30 years or life imprisonment for the leaders of these scams.
All 112 lawmakers present voted in favor of the bill.
The legislation stipulates that if online scam leaders' activities result in one or more fatalities, they could face sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison.
The heads of online scam operations may receive prison sentences of between five and ten years, along with fines reaching up to 1 billion riels ($250,000). If their schemes are proven to involve violence, torture, unlawful detention, human trafficking, or forced labor, they could be sentenced to ten to twenty years in prison and fines of up to 2 billion riels ($500,000).
Individuals participating in online scams could face imprisonment of two to five years and fines up to 500 million riels ($125,000).
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Koeut Rith remarked that Cambodia has become a hotspot for criminals executing online scams in the region.
He stated, "This criminal activity has severely undermined public safety and order, as well as damaged Cambodia's reputation on a global scale."
Furthermore, Koeut Rith emphasized that this law is designed to boost the effectiveness of efforts against online scams, safeguarding public safety and order while enhancing collaborative measures against such crimes.
This draft law will undergo final review by the Senate before being presented to King Norodom Sihamoni for enactment.
The Cambodian government has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on cyber scam networks to ensure public safety and restore the nation's image internationally, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The country is committed to eradicating all online scam centers by the end of April this year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha announced in February that Cambodia has expelled over 30,000 suspected foreign scammers, with more than 210,000 others leaving the country voluntarily following intensified operations against online scams since June 2025.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the significance of Cambodia's new legislation against online scams. This law reflects a strong commitment to enhancing public safety and restoring the nation's image internationally. While the penalties are severe, they are necessary to deter criminal activities that have plagued the region. Moving forward, the effectiveness of enforcement will be key in achieving the desired outcome.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What penalties does the new law impose on online scam leaders?
The law imposes penalties ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment for scam leaders, depending on the severity of their actions.
What actions warrant harsher penalties under this law?
If online scam operations result in fatalities or involve violence, torture, human trafficking, or forced labor, harsher penalties apply.
How many lawmakers approved the draft bill?
All 112 lawmakers present at the session unanimously approved the draft bill.
What is Cambodia's commitment regarding online scams?
Cambodia aims to entirely eradicate online scam centers by April this year.
What has been done to combat online scams in Cambodia?
The Cambodian government has launched a nationwide crackdown, expelling over 30,000 suspected foreign scammers.
