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Cambodia Passes Law with Life Terms for Online Scam Kingpins

Cambodia's National Assembly has unanimously passed a stringent new law to combat online scams, prescribing life imprisonment for bosses whose operations result in deaths. The legislation imposes severe prison terms and hefty fines for ringleaders and participants involved in scams, especially those linked to violence or human trafficking. Deputy Prime Minister Koeut Rith stated the law aims to repair Cambodia's international reputation, which has been damaged by its association with these criminal networks. The country is committed to eradicating all online scam centers by April, having already deported tens of thousands of suspects.

Key Points: Cambodia Law: Life Imprisonment for Online Scam Bosses

  • Life terms for scam bosses causing deaths
  • Fines up to $500,000 for ringleaders
  • Nationwide crackdown on cyber scam networks
  • Over 30,000 suspected scammers deported
2 min read

Cambodia's parliament adopts law on combating online scams, with life imprisonment for scam bosses

Cambodia's parliament passes a tough new law imposing life sentences for online scam bosses, part of a major crackdown to restore the nation's reputation.

"This crime has... badly damaged Cambodia's reputation and image on the international stage. - Koeut Rith"

Phnom Penh, March 30

The National Assembly of Cambodia on Monday passed a draft law on combating online scams, which will deliver up to 30 years or life imprisonment to scam bosses.

A total of 112 lawmakers in attendance unanimously approved the draft bill.

According to the bill, online scam bosses will face between 15 and 30 years or life imprisonment if their operations lead to one or many deaths.

Ringleaders of online scam centres will face between five and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 1 billion riels ($250,000), and they will face between 10 and 20 years in jail and a fine of up to 2 billion riels ($500,000) if their operations are found to involve violence, torture, illegal confinement, human trafficking, or forced labor.

Online scammers will be imprisoned between two and five years with a fine of up to 500 million riels ($125,000).

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Koeut Rith said Cambodia was one of many countries in the region that criminals had used to operate online scams.

"This crime has not only seriously affected public security and order, but also badly damaged Cambodia's reputation and image on the international stage," he told the parliament.

Koeut Rith said the law would "enhance the effectiveness of the fight against online scams, aiming at safeguarding security and public order as well as enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation in combating online scams."

The draft bill will need to be finally reviewed by the Senate before being submitted to King Norodom Sihamoni for promulgation.

The kingdom has launched an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on cyber scam networks to maintain social security, safety, and public order, and to restore the kingdom's image on the international stage, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Southeast Asian country is committed to eradicating all online scam centres by April this year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said in February that Cambodia had deported more than 30,000 suspected foreign scammers, as over 210,000 others had voluntarily left the kingdom after operations against online scams had intensified since June 2025.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Life imprisonment for scam bosses is the right message. These people ruin lives. So many Indians, especially elderly and students, have lost their savings to international scam centers. Glad Cambodia is cleaning house. 👏
A
Aman W
The scale is shocking – 30,000 deported and 210,000 left voluntarily? That means there were massive operations running there. It's good they're acting, but it also shows how big the problem had become. Hope the enforcement is as strong as the law.
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Sarah B
While the law is tough on paper, the real test is implementation. Cambodia needs to ensure this isn't just for international optics but leads to real convictions. The link to human trafficking and forced labor mentioned is particularly horrifying.
K
Karthik V
Finally! These scam call centers pretending to be from "Microsoft support" or "income tax department" need to be wiped out. Many operate from such SE Asian countries. Strong regional cooperation is key. Bharat should lead such efforts in SAARC.
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Nisha Z
The punishment fits the crime when it leads to loss of life. These scams cause immense mental trauma, and some victims have taken extreme steps. Eradicating all centers by April seems like a very ambitious deadline, but I hope they succeed.

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