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The Cambodian National Committee for Countering Online Fraud stated that as law enforcement actions continue, some scam centers have dissolved on their own, but some criminals are trying to shift into more covert modes, such as renting regular apartments as hideouts and even recruiting local Cambodians to participate in the scams.
According to the Khmer-China Times, on the 11th, Secretary-General Chhay Sina Leth of the National Committee for Countering Online Fraud said in an exclusive interview that some fraud rings have switched their tools from computers to mobile phones. Their operation model is similar to that of ordinary office workers — local recruits go to a fixed location every day and use the provided mobile phones to carry out scams.
"No matter the scale, as long as it is related to telecom fraud, we will investigate and crack down on it," he said.
Chhay Sina Leth described the current fraudsters as "hiding like rats." He emphasized: "We will catch all the rats from every rat hole."
Previously, the Cambodian government had clearly set a target to achieve 'zero cases' and completely eradicate telecom fraud activities in the country no later than the end of April this year.
Chhay Sina Leth said the government has made systematic deployments to wipe out telecom network fraud, and is now comprehensively targeting criminal fraud networks through a dual approach of strengthening law enforcement and pushing for legislation, to prevent criminals from using Cambodia as a hub for transnational scams.
● Cambodia Wants to Restore National Image
Additionally, Chhay Sina Leth stressed that international law enforcement cooperation is crucial, and that the problem must be faced head-on rather than blaming Cambodia.
He pointed out that many of those engaged in illegal activities are foreigners, but Cambodia is ultimately the one harmed. Some people abroad misunderstand Cambodia because of this, even forming bias against Cambodian citizens and believing Cambodia is a base for criminal gangs, but in fact, Cambodia is also a victim.
Chhay Sina Leth reiterated that the government's determination to root out telecom fraud crimes is unwavering. He indicated that the current law enforcement actions are entirely independently decided by the Cambodian government, not due to pressure from any country, but out of the pain and injustice suffered by the nation.
"We want to restore our national image and let the international community see that Cambodia is not a base for criminal organizations."=
● 250 Scam Dens Dismantled=
Chhay Sina Leth noted that since June last year, 250 scam dens have been dismantled nationwide, including 91 casinos. A total of 679 suspects have been prosecuted for involvement in scams, more than 100 of whom are Chinese nationals; another 8,989 suspects have been deported to their respective countries, with nearly 6,000 sent back to China.=