Cambodia Parliament Approves Law to Combat Cybercrime Scam Rings

Cambodia’s National Assembly Approves Law Targeting Online Scams

The Cambodian National Assembly has approved a law aimed at combating online scams targeting foreigners. The legislation is intended to enhance the country’s efforts to address these illicit operations, which have been linked to economic, tourism, and investment losses.

Justice Minister Keut Rith stated that the law will help “clean up” the situation by imposing strict penalties on those involved in online scams. He noted that the problem has significant consequences for the nation and its people.

The law outlines punishments ranging from two to five years in prison and fines of up to $125,000 for individuals convicted of online scams. Sentences can be increased if the scam involves multiple victims or is part of a gang. The legislation also covers penalties for money laundering, data gathering, and recruiting scammers.

Ringleaders of cyberscam centres that engage in human trafficking, detentions, and torture will face prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines of up to $500,000 under the law.

The passage of this legislation comes after international condemnation from rights groups and sanctions imposed by governments worldwide. The US Department of State has previously stated that “official complicity” may have hindered effective law enforcement action against trafficking crimes in Cambodia.

The law will now be submitted to the king for final approval.

Source: Al Jazeera