H.E. Neth Pheaktra: Cambodia Inspects 832 Suspected Sites, Dismantles 86 Large-Scale Scam Operations and Freezes More Than US$300 Million
Cambodia has reported concrete results in its fight against online scams. As of August 31, 2026, the relevant authorities had inspected 832 suspected sites, taken action against 663 sites, and dismantled 86 large-scale scam operations. At the same time, 446 cases involving 3,927 suspects had been referred to the courts, while more than US$300 million held in bank accounts linked to scam activities had been frozen.
These figures were presented by H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, during a press conference on the results of the first day of the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS 2026), held under the theme “Act Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams” on the afternoon of September 23, 2026.
H.E. Neth Pheaktra emphasized that these figures demonstrate the scale of law enforcement efforts and the concrete actions undertaken by the Cambodian authorities in combating online scams. These actions include inspecting suspected sites, taking enforcement measures, dismantling scam operations, conducting investigations, referring cases to the courts, and taking measures against assets linked to criminal offenses.
Among these results, the dismantling of 86 large-scale scam operations represents a significant component of the enforcement operations. The referral of 446 cases to the courts, involving 3,927 suspects, demonstrates the continuation of judicial proceedings following investigations and evidence collection. Meanwhile, the freezing of more than US$300 million represents another important measure aimed at disrupting financial flows associated with scam activities.
The Minister stated that the fight against online scams cannot be limited to shutting down scam sites or arresting a certain number of suspects. The primary objective is to disrupt the entire criminal chain, from the organization and operation of scam sites, the identification and recruitment of victims, and the use of technology and communications infrastructure, to the transfer, concealment, and use of financial proceeds derived from criminal activities.
In particular, tracing and disrupting financial flows are essential elements in dismantling criminal networks. The closure of a scam site does not necessarily mean that the leaders or networks responsible for financing the operation have been completely dismantled. Cambodia must therefore continue to strengthen financial investigations, monitor the movement of funds, identify beneficiaries, and take action against assets linked to criminal offenses, in accordance with applicable laws.
H.E. Neth Pheaktra further explained that online scams are transnational in nature. Criminal networks may use the territory of one country to commit crimes against victims located in another, while the masterminds, sources of financing, and support networks may be based in different countries. Therefore, no country can effectively address this issue alone.
The two-day ICCOS 2026, taking place on September 23 and 24, 2026, was organized to bring together the commitments, experiences, and capabilities of different countries, international organizations, law enforcement institutions, the financial sector, and technology companies, with the aim of developing common and practical measures.
In this context, Cambodia emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation in information sharing, cross-border investigations, the tracing of illicit financial flows, capacity building for law enforcement institutions, and victim protection. Such cooperation aims to make anti-scam operations more effective and prevent scam networks from relocating or re-establishing themselves.
At the same time, Cambodia affirmed that combating online scams is not a short-term operation, but a long-term effort that must be sustained, with a focus on enforcement, investigations, disrupting financial channels, protecting victims, and preventing criminal networks from being re-established.
The presentation of the concrete results achieved on the first day of ICCOS 2026 thus highlighted the link between law enforcement actions and international cooperation, centered on a common objective: breaking the criminal chain and putting an end to online scams.
