Hanoi (VNA) – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on February 25 affirmed that his government will continue with efforts to eliminate scam centres and protect the economy.
In a rare interview granted to the international media during his visit to Brussels, Belgium, PM Hun Manet acknowledged that online scam operations in Cambodia not only damage the nation’s reputation but also undermine its honest economy.
He described online scam networks as part of a “black economy” harming tourism and foreign investment, stressing that they create negative perceptions of Cambodia’s image and are therefore an issue the country must eradicate.
The leader also admitted that scam centres may have certain direct impacts on the real estate sector and some investment flows, but stressed that most of the profits generated from such activities do not enter the Cambodian Government’s budget.
At the same time, he rejected claims that Cambodia’s economy depends on illegal activities, affirming that its economic foundation rests on legitimate sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and other industries.
In response, the Cambodian Government has begun a crackdown on scam centres, rescuing thousands of workers from facilities in Cambodia and Myanmar, many of whom have since been repatriated./.
Cambodia launches large-scale crackdown on online scam networks
Cambodia’s Ministry of Information reported that during a nationwide seven-month campaign against technology-based fraud, authorities arrested 5,106 suspects of 23 nationalities and deported 4,534 individuals. In addition, the courts have processed 37 major cases, handing down sentences to 172 ringleaders and accomplices.
