Cambodia Enacts Strict New Law to Combat Online Scams

The Government of Cambodia enacted a new Law on Combating Online Scams on April 6, 2026, following a royal decree signed by Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen. The legislation follows a unanimous approval by the Senate of Cambodia on April 3 and aims to eliminate cybercrime networks that have damaged the nation's economy, tourism, and international image.

The law establishes a tiered penalty system. Individual scammers face two to five years in prison and fines up to 500 million riels. Ringleaders of scam centers face five to 20 years and fines up to 2 billion riels. The most severe penalties are reserved for scam bosses whose operations result in deaths, who face 15 to 30 years or life imprisonment, particularly if the operations involved torture, human trafficking, or forced labor.

This legislative action coincides with a broader crackdown pledged by Prime Minister Hun Manet to shut down all scam centers by the end of April 2026. Interior Minister Sar Sokha reported that 80 percent of identified locations have been closed, leading to the deportation of over 30,000 suspected foreign scammers and the voluntary departure of 210,000 others since June 2025. The move follows international pressure, including sanctions from the United Kingdom and the extradition of suspected money launderers to China.