Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has declared that his country will not tolerate telecommunications fraud or allow criminal groups to establish safe havens, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle cross-border scam networks. Hun Sen made the statement during his meeting with South Korea’s newly appointed ambassador to Cambodia, Kim Chang-yong.
According to local media the Cambodia China Times, the government’s ongoing clampdown on telecom and online fraud is intended to send a clear message: Cambodia will not serve as a refuge for criminal groups, but rather as the place where their operations collapse.
Cambodia’s firm stance against transnational crimes
Hun Sen emphasised that the government will not permit criminal organisations to use Cambodian territory as a base for illegal activities, particularly those linked to telecommunications fraud. He underscored the country’s non-negotiable position against transnational crimes, highlighting efforts to dismantle networks that undermine regional security and international confidence.
Hun Sen, who previously served as Cambodia’s prime minister for nearly four decades, remains one of the nation’s most influential political figures. His remarks come as enforcement actions against online scam syndicates operating inside Cambodia grow increasingly aggressive.
South Korean nationals targeted
South Korean authorities have raised concerns over citizens being lured into overseas scam centres, many of which are based in Cambodia. In recent years, South Koreans have been recruited into large-scale fraud compounds through deceptive job offers, later coerced into running romance, investment, and “pig-butchering” scams.
“Pig-butchering” refers to a sophisticated, long-term scam in which perpetrators build trust with victims over weeks or months before tricking them into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
Joint efforts and recent arrests
South Korea has responded with travel advisories, repatriations, and strengthened law enforcement cooperation with Cambodia. On 23 January, 73 South Korean nationals suspected of involvement in online scam operations in Cambodia were repatriated to Incheon International Airport. They now face questioning over allegations of defrauding more than 800 victims of approximately $33 million.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed his country’s commitment to combating transnational scam crimes. He noted on X that Chinese crime syndicates operating in Cambodia have stopped recruiting Korean members due to fears of intensified police crackdowns.
From national measures to regional networks
Aside from South Korea, Cambodia has intensified its collaboration with ASEAN members and international partners to combat fraud, with a particular focus on transnational telecom scams and cybercrime.
Cambodia has strengthened coordination with neighboring countries—Thailand and Vietnam—through enhanced border patrols, intelligence sharing, and joint operations against cross-border crimes, as reported by local media outlets. It also participates in a six-country framework with China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, committing to rapid-response measures, deeper intelligence exchange, and stricter oversight of telecom networks.
Meanwhile, in 2025, Indonesia and the Philippines formalised their efforts by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) targeting cybercrime and human trafficking, underscoring ASEAN’s collective push against digital and transnational threats.
In addition, Cambodia is stepping up its cybersecurity efforts by deploying mobile antenna detection systems. These tools enable telecom regulators to pinpoint rogue signals emitted that mimic legitimate networks, strengthening defenses against digital threats, as reported by the Tech for Good Institute.
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