Analysts warn the lack of provisions addressing the role officials and networks play in enabling scams may limit the law’s effectiveness
4-MIN READ4-MIN ListenMaria SiowPublished: 8:00am, 8 Apr 2026Cambodia’s first law targeting scam centres, passed after mounting international pressure over the country’s massive fraud and trafficking economy, may do little to curb it unless authorities go after the officials and networks that have long enabled it, analysts have warned.Approved by parliament on Friday, the law takes aim at an industry estimated to generate up to US$19 billion annually and to have trafficked as many as 200,000 workers into compounds across the country.Justice Minister Keut Rith said the law would strengthen the “cleaning operation” taking place across the country and ensure the centres did not return after crackdowns.
“This law is strict like the fishing net, strict to ensure we don’t have online scams any more in Cambodia, strict in order to serve the interest of the Cambodian nation and people,” he said.
The new law will be signed by Cambodia’s king before it takes effect.
Under the law, those found guilty of online scams face two to five years in prison and fines of up to US$125,000.
