AKP Phnom Penh, March 16, 2026 -- Cambodia and China have strengthened cooperation to enhance the effectiveness of efforts to combat technology-based fraud, commonly known as online scams.

The Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) on Monday held a handover ceremony for technical equipment donated by China’s Ministry of Public Security through the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia. The equipment will support ongoing operations to suppress online scam activities.

Speaking at the event, Senior Minister H.E. Santepundit Chhay Sinarith, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Commission and Head of the CCOS Secretariat, expressed appreciation to the Chinese side for the assistance, describing it as part of bilateral cooperation in combating transnational crime.

He said the support reflects the “ironclad” friendship between Cambodia and China and their comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as their shared vision of building an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era.

H.E. Chhay Sinarith noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, the Royal Government of Cambodia has introduced a series of strong measures to eliminate online scam activities from the country.

He added that while nationwide crackdowns are continuing, a draft law on combating technology-based fraud—recently approved by the Cabinet—is moving through legislative procedures and is expected to provide a solid legal foundation for preventing and suppressing such crimes.

“Technology-based fraud is a complex regional and global issue that requires international cooperation to effectively combat,” he said, adding that Cambodian and Chinese authorities have been working closely together in law enforcement cooperation, particularly against online scams, with encouraging results.

Cambodia is also preparing to host an international conference on combating online scams in the near future, aimed at strengthening global cooperation and sharing experiences in addressing the crime.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Wang Wenbin said the technical equipment provided by China’s Ministry of Public Security would help support Cambodian authorities in further strengthening operations against online fraud.

He praised the Royal Government of Cambodia's leadership and noted that since the establishment of the commission, law enforcement agencies across the country have swiftly carried out inspections and intensified crackdowns on suspected scam operations, leading to the dismantling of numerous sites and the arrest of multiple suspects.

The ambassador also welcomed Cambodia’s initiative to enact a law on combating technology-based fraud, describing it as a strong demonstration of the country’s determination to eradicate the crime.

“We highly appreciate the effective measures and achievements of the commission and Cambodia’s law enforcement agencies,” H.E. Wang Wenbin said.

He added that Cambodia and China, as “ironclad friends,” have consistently supported each other. 

China has previously sent aircraft to repatriate Chinese nationals involved in scam activities back to China.

According to the ambassador, the latest assistance also reflects the implementation of outcomes from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Cambodia in April 2025, aimed at strengthening joint law enforcement cooperation in combating online scam crime.

H.E. Wang Wenbin said China stands ready to continue close cooperation with Cambodia in joint investigations into transnational crime, with the shared goal of eliminating the “cancer” of online scams in order to protect public safety and create a favourable environment for development.

Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has pledged to eradicate online scam operations from Cambodia by April 2026, stressing that the country must not become a base for cyber-enabled fraud or other transnational crimes.

He warned that individuals or groups behind such activities will face the full force of the law without leniency or interference.

By K. Rithy Reak