Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Prime Minister Hun Manet has publicly announced an ambitious plan to completely eradicate all online scam centers across Cambodia by April 2026. This significant declaration marks the first time the head of the Royal Government has outlined such a definitive timeline for the comprehensive Online Scam Campaign, delivered during a public forum.
The commitment was reiterated during his opening remarks at the 2026 ASEAN Business Summit, an event attended by hundreds of prominent business leaders from across ASEAN nations. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that this decisive action is integral to Cambodia’s broader strategy to reinforce legal frameworks, strengthen institutional compliance, and further safeguard the integrity of the nation’s investment environment. He explicitly stated, “The Royal Government has decided to drastically change national policy from prevention to the complete elimination of online scams by April 2026.”
Addressing the pervasive issue, Prime Minister Hun Manet previously shared insights with AFP in February, highlighting how these criminal networks not only tarnish Cambodia’s international reputation but also undermine the nation’s legitimate economy. He elaborated, “The fraudulent network, which we refer to as the black economy, is actively destroying our honest economy. It is unequivocally tarnishing Cambodia’s image.” The Prime Minister further noted that these illicit activities have had detrimental effects on critical sectors such as tourism and investment, underscoring the urgency of their eradication.
This intensified campaign builds upon previous efforts by the Royal Government. It is worth recalling that Cambodia initiated a campaign to combat technology-related fraud in mid-2025. Reports from the Ministry of Interior indicate that past operations led by Cambodian authorities against tech fraud have resulted in the detention of tens of thousands of foreign nationals. Approximately 30,000 individuals, predominantly from various ethnic groups, have since been deported from Cambodia. Additionally, over 210,000 foreign nationals have voluntarily departed the country.
