Cambodia is poised to become a regional leader in the fight against digital crime with the introduction of a dedicated Anti-Telecom Fraud Law.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Koeut Rith confirmed that the draft legislation has officially cleared the Cabinet and is currently under review by the National Assembly’s legislative and judicial committee.
A Comprehensive Strike Against Scam Centers
The proposed law is a direct response to the proliferation of illicit scam centers that have plagued the telecommunications sector. Rather than relying on generic criminal statutes, this framework provides authorities with a tailored legal arsenal to dismantle fraudulent networks permanently.
The penalties outlined in the draft are among the harshest in the world for these offenses:
- Operating a Hub: Standard prison terms range from 5 to 10 years.
- Aggravated Offenses: If the operation involves homicide, extortion, or unlawful detention, penalties can escalate to 30 years or life imprisonment.
- Accomplice Liability: The law explicitly targets recruiters, trainers, and notably, landlords. Property owners will no longer be able to claim ignorance regarding the illicit use of their premises, with potential fines reaching $500,000.
Restoring International Image
Prime Minister Hun Manet has framed this crackdown as an essential step in repairing Cambodia’s global reputation. By moving from reactive raids to a structured legal regime, the government aims to eliminate the “revolving door” of criminal reorganization.
The authorities have set a strict deadline of late April to shutter remaining fraud hubs, ensuring that the transition to the new law occurs amid an environment of high-pressure enforcement.
