Cambodia has intensified efforts to combat its long-standing reputation as a hub for online scams, conducting extensive crackdowns on illicit scam compounds across the country. However, analysts and international observers express skepticism over the transparency and independence of investigations, particularly regarding high-profile individuals implicated by the United States government.
Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, responsible for Cambodia’s anti-scam campaign, stated that investigations remain ongoing and emphasized the need for thorough evidence-based legal procedures. “Suspicion alone cannot immediately lead to enforcement action,” he said in an interview in Phnom Penh. He acknowledged that probes are targeting “masterminds” but did not specify any individuals under investigation.
The US Treasury Department has sanctioned several Cambodian figures, including sitting senators Ly Yong Phat and Kok An, linked to online scams and human trafficking operations. Despite these designations, neither has faced prosecution, and both continue to hold their Senate seats in a legislature led by former Prime Minister Hun Sen.
In addition to the senators, US lawmakers have called for sanctions on other prominent personalities, including Hun Manet’s cousin Hun To, National Police Deputy Commissioner-General Dy Vichea—Hun Sen’s son-in-law—and Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha, for alleged involvement in scams, torture, and trafficking. Critics point to the close personal and political ties these individuals have to Cambodia’s ruling elite as a factor limiting the scope and effectiveness of investigations.
Independent political analyst Seng Vanly expressed doubts about the government’s willingness to hold powerful figures accountable, highlighting the potential political consequences of prosecuting relatives of top leadership. “Their close family ties and top positions mean any legal action would cause major political trouble and damage the country’s leaders,” he said.
Between July 2025 and August 2026, Cambodian authorities referred nearly 450 scam-related cases involving roughly 4,000 individuals of about 30 nationalities to court. Crackdowns targeted 832 locations, resulting in the closure of 663 scam sites. Officials say 86 illegal compounds have been dismantled, with numerous arrests made. Nevertheless, experts caution that the dismantling of physical operations only scratches the surface of a deeply embedded scam economy.
Jacob Sims, a researcher with expertise in Southeast Asia transnational crime, noted in a recent report that the fundamental political structures enabling scam networks remain intact and that no high-level domestic elites have faced credible prosecution. “The ruling coalition’s institutional grip remains unbroken,” he wrote.
In September, Cambodia hosted an inaugural two-day international anti-scam conference in Phnom Penh, where Prime Minister Hun Manet declared that scam compounds no longer exist within the country. The event drew participation from over 1,000 global delegates, including representatives from the US, UK, and Singapore. However, observers urge caution in accepting such claims at face value given the ongoing lack of prosecutions of key political figures.
The Cambodian government stresses its commitment to continued collaboration with other nations to eradicate scam activities. Information Minister Neth Pheaktra acknowledged external criticism but affirmed that progress is being made and efforts will persist.
Economic impacts of Cambodia’s scam reputation are reflected in the World Bank’s recent downgrade of the country’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.5%, citing weaker private consumption, lower remittances, inflation, and subdued credit growth. The lingering stigma has also deterred foreign investment, with analysts calling for structural governance reforms, stronger institutions, and more rigorous law enforcement to restore confidence.
Cambodia enacted its first anti-scam legislation in April 2026, imposing prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines as high as US$250,000 for organized scam offenses. The law also addresses related crimes such as money laundering and recruitment of scammers. Nonetheless, experts warn that without impartial enforcement, the legal framework risks becoming more of a public relations tool than a genuine instrument of justice.