BGA Cambodia Senior Analyst Kunmakara May wrote an update to clients on international cooperation on anti-online scam operations. 

Context 

  • Cambodia hosted the International Conference on Combating Online Scams in Phnom Penh from September 23-24, drawing representatives from more than 20 governments, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol and the Lancang‑Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center. The participants pledged coordinated action to dismantle criminal networks and protect victims. The conference produced the Phnom Penh Declaration, a collective pledge to intensify global action against online scams, which were described as a fast‑growing form of transnational organized crime undermining trust, exploiting victims and threatening economic stability.  
  • The conference gave Cambodia a platform to present its anti-scam agenda internationally, but the credibility of that agenda will depend on follow-through, enforcement consistency and measurable reductions in scam operations. The Phnom Penh Declaration, adopted September 24, reflects Cambodia’s growing role in convening global action against online crime. Delegates recognized how scam operations shift geographically under enforcement pressure, stressing the need for early‑warning systems, stronger information sharing and coordinated international responses. They acknowledged that criminal networks exploit legal loopholes and weak cross‑border cooperation, making collective action essential. 

Significance 

  • The declaration outlines 11 commitments. These include strengthening international cooperation and legal assistance, dismantling criminal organizations and their financial infrastructure, disrupting and recovering illicit proceeds, leveraging technology and digital forensics to counter scams and enhancing national legal frameworks to address evolving methods. It also emphasizes victim protection, including the non‑punishment principle for trafficked persons forced into scam activity, and calls for improved awareness campaigns to prevent recruitment through fraudulent employment schemes. 
  • The declaration calls for decisive law enforcement action to dismantle scam compounds, enhanced cross‑border operational cooperation and stronger mechanisms for victim rescue, referral and reintegration. While legally nonbinding, the declaration underscores a shared determination to “break the chain” of online scams through sustained cooperation, robust frameworks and victim‑centered approaches. It situates the fight against scams within broader efforts to safeguard digital economies, protect vulnerable communities and strengthen international peace and security. 
  • FBI Senior Executive Stephen Flores said cooperation between law‑enforcement agencies was producing measurable results. Over the past 18 months, the FBI captured six of its top 10 international fugitives, while extraditions increased by 62 percent and foreign transfers of custody by 54 percent. Arrests in Asia rose 175 percent, with extraditions up 200 percent. Flores said such outcomes depend on cooperation with host countries, noting the FBI cannot operate independently abroad. He added that enhanced cooperation was helping law‑enforcement agencies bring fugitives to justice, recover money lost through fraud and dismantle scam centers. 

Implications 

  • The declaration could support a more coordinated regulatory approach to online scams, but its business impact will depend on enforcement credibility, transparency and measurable follow-through. For companies, the key issue will be whether Cambodia and its partners can move beyond public commitments to disrupt scam networks, reduce reputational exposure and strengthen safeguards for cross-border digital transactions. While the declaration provides the clearest articulation to date of the Cambodian government’s ambitions, implementation will determine whether it materially improves the operating environment. 

We will continue to keep you updated on developments in Cambodia as they occur. If you have any comments or questions, please contact BGA Cambodia Senior Analyst Kunmakara May at kmay@bowergroupasia.com. 

Best regards, 

BGA Cambodia Team 

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Senior Analyst

Makara has nearly 20 years of experience working in Cambodia’s media sector. With broad networks in government ministries and institutions, the business community and civil society, he helps BGA clients understand the rules, regulations and policies that impact investors’ success locally, regionally and globally.  In his professional journalism career, Makara focuses on Cambodia’s macroeconomics, politics and geopolitical issues. His reporting has covered the garment, banking and finance, capital markets, trade, investment and tourism sectors. Earlier, he worked as a financial officer at the Thai-owned TV3 television station.  Makara holds a master’s degree in business administration from Asia Euro University, a ... Read More