AKP Phnom Penh, May 09, 2025–

Cambodian Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has voiced deep concern over the global rise of online fraud, warning that it poses a greater challenge than the fight against illicit drugs.

In his keynote lecture this morning in Dili, Timor-Leste, Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized that online fraud and illegal gambling are increasingly difficult to combat due to the borderless nature of the internet.

“Combating illegal online gambling and fraud is more difficult than fighting illicit drugs because these crimes can be committed from anywhere, as long as there is an internet connection,” he said during his lecture to Timorese leaders and senior officials at the Presidential Palace, just before returning to Cambodia.

He urged world leaders to intensify efforts to educate their citizens on the dangers of online fraud and gambling, noting that these crimes have proliferated across borders and affect people globally.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen also addressed accusations from some countries that Cambodia has become a hub for online fraud, particularly involving scams that lure foreign workers with promises of high-paying jobs. He expressed dismay at such claims, stating that Cambodia, once feared due to its past instability, is now ironically suffering because of the peace it has achieved.

“In the past, people were afraid to even hear the name Cambodia. Now, because of peace, Cambodia is viewed as a paradise for international fraud groups—how can this be?” he questioned.

He pushed back against criticism, saying, “Online fraud is not exclusive to Cambodia. It’s a global problem. I question why some countries are quick to blame Cambodia instead of taking responsibility for educating their own citizens.”

Calling for international cooperation, Samdech Techo Hun Sen stressed the importance of public education as the most effective tool in the fight against online crime.

“Governments must raise awareness and educate their citizens to stay away from illegal online gambling and avoid being manipulated by transnational criminal groups,” he said.

He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to tackling online crime under the leadership of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, noting that strict measures are continually being implemented to curb online fraud and gambling.

By Heng Panha