FBI Praises Cambodia’s “Tangible Results” in Crackdown on Cybercrime Syndicates
PHNOM PENH — Senior officials from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation have praised Cambodia’s recent crackdown on cybercrime syndicates, citing “tangible results” in efforts to dismantle transnational online fraud networks.
The comments came during a meeting between Scott Schelble, Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI’s International Operations Division, and Chhay Sinarith, Senior Minister and head of Cambodia’s Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS), an inter-agency body chaired by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Schelble said recent enforcement actions showed Cambodia should no longer be viewed as a safe haven for cyber-fraud syndicates, stressing that online scams represent a global challenge requiring strong international cooperation.
“Cyber-enabled fraud is a complex, global crisis affecting many nations; it is not a challenge unique to Cambodia,” he said, reaffirming the FBI’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Cambodian authorities.
Sinarith said the government remains committed to a comprehensive enforcement strategy aimed at dismantling entire criminal networks, including their financial backers. He added that authorities are prioritising the tracking of illicit financial flows and applying strict legal measures to deter future operations.
Both sides agreed to strengthen technical cooperation, including training and information sharing, to enhance Cambodia’s capacity to investigate complex cyber and financial crimes.
