(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that Cambodia is preparing a law to combat online scams aimed at preventing and permanently eliminating technology-based fraud that could harm the country’s economy and national reputation. Under the proposed law, property owners, landlords, building lessors, and recruiters could be held legally responsible if their properties or services are linked to online scam operations.

The premier spoke on Friday (Mar. 6) during the closing ceremony of the National Authority for Combating Drugs’ annual conference at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel.

“We are preparing a law against online scams. In the future, property owners will also bear responsibility. It will no longer be acceptable to say, ‘I only rented out the property and didn’t know,’” the prime minister said.

He underlined that stronger legal measures are necessary to ensure effective and sustainable action against online scams, considering the revenues generated from such activities as part of a “black economy” that harms Cambodia’s legitimate economy.

Samdech Thipadei explained that online scam crimes and related crimes belong to the black economy, while those indirectly benefiting, such as drivers or property renters, could fall within a grey economy. In contrast, legitimate sectors such as tourism represent the white economy that supports national growth.

The prime minister also rejected claims that online scams account for 60 percent of Cambodia’s economy, calling such allegations inaccurate. He clarified that revenues from illegal activities are not included in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet urged collective efforts to eliminate online scam activities, emphasizing that Cambodia must “clean its own house” to protect and strengthen the country’s legitimate economy.
=FRESH NEWS