UK and Cambodia join forces to take down online scam networks

Lord Hanson, Minister of State for the Home Office, is visiting Cambodia from 22 to 24 September to attend the International Conference on Combating Online Scams, marking his first official trip to the country. During the visit, he will meet Cambodian officials, UN agencies, and journalists to discuss coordinated efforts against online fraud networks. The UK recognises Cambodia’s recent legislative and enforcement actions against scam operations, including the creation of a dedicated national commission. The partnership aims to strengthen joint responses to a global threat affecting victims worldwide.

Cambodia has introduced new laws, enforcement measures, and a dedicated commission to address scam operations within its borders. The UK acknowledges these efforts and pledges continued collaboration to disrupt criminal networks and protect victims. The agreement builds on existing cooperation and includes provisions for intelligence sharing and financial investigations. Both countries commit to holding those responsible for online fraud and trafficking to account.

The UK and Cambodia will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their partnership against online scams. The agreement focuses on practical measures such as intelligence sharing, tracing illicit funds, and victim protections. It reflects a shared commitment to turn international cooperation into tangible results for affected individuals. The UK highlights the human cost of fraud, including trafficking and mistreatment of victims, as a key driver for this collaboration.

The visit underscores the UK’s broader strategy to deepen fraud-fighting partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, including through the INTERPOL Global Fraud Taskforce. Both countries aim to protect victims globally by combining their respective strengths. The agreement follows prior sanctions by the UK and US targeting entities linked to scam centres, freezing over £125 million in assets.