More details have emerged about Cambodia’s proposed anti-telecom fraud law. According to a recent interview with Chhay Sinarith, a senior minister and secretary-general of the government’s anti-cyberscam commission, the draft legislation could impose prison sentences of up to 30 years and fines of up to $500,000, while also allowing authorities to hold provincial leaders accountable if such crimes persist.
The draft Anti-Telecom Fraud Law is expected to be reviewed by the Cambodian cabinet on March 13th. The legislation would establish the country’s first comprehensive legal framework specifically targeting telecom and online fraud.
Speaking to The Cambodia China Times, Chhay Sinarith said the law aims to impose strict penalties on individuals and organizations involved in fraud activities, including those who provide premises, protection, or logistical support to scam operations.
Under the proposed legislation, in addition to tougher prison sentences and heavy fines, property owners who rent premises to scam syndicates or individuals involved in recruiting workers for fraud operations would also face legal liability. The draft law specifies that property owners cannot avoid responsibility by claiming they were unaware of the activities taking place.
The legislation also targets public officials found to be shielding scam networks. Chhay Sinarith acknowledged that investigations had uncovered cases in which certain officials provided protection to fraud groups.
“Criminal groups often first look for a protector before securing locations, personnel, and financial channels,” he said, adding that those providing such protection would face criminal prosecution.
The government has also set a deadline of the end of April to eliminate telecom fraud operations nationwide. After that date, authorities will evaluate enforcement outcomes across provinces and hold local leaders accountable if scam activities are still found.
Chhay Sinarith said disciplinary measures could include administrative penalties or criminal liability for provincial authorities and law enforcement officials who fail to act or are found to have tolerated such crimes.
Alongside legislative measures, the government has strengthened enforcement efforts. Since June last year, authorities have dismantled 250 scam compounds nationwide, including 91 located within casinos.
A total of 679 suspects have been charged, while 8,989 individuals have been deported to their home countries, including nearly 6,000 sent back to China. Cambodia has also expanded international cooperation in combating telecom fraud, with China identified as a key partner in intelligence sharing and investigations.
