Phnom penh: Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister, H.E. Koeut Rith, on Friday described online scam operations as a 'comprehensive national security issue,' underscoring the Royal Government's determination to eradicate such crimes from the country.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, speaking at a press conference on the 'Law on combating online scams,' held at the Ministry of Justice, H.E. Koeut Rith said online scams have evolved beyond conventional criminal concerns, posing broad risks to national security, economic stability, and the country's international reputation.

He emphasized that when online scams take root in Cambodia, they trigger widespread criticism from abroad and inflict serious damage that differs from other transnational crimes such as drug trafficking or human trafficking. He noted that this issue now affects the economy, as well as the dignity and reputation of the nation.

H.E. Koeut Rith stressed that the fight against online scams is no longer confined to law enforcement but has become a matter concerning the entire nation, calling for collective action to eliminate such activities.

The Royal Government has rolled out a series of countermeasures since the sixth legislative term, with intensified efforts continuing into the current seventh term of the National Assembly. H.E. Koeut Rith stated that combating online scam-related crime has been elevated to a top policy priority under the current administration.

He further mentioned that technology-based fraud has now become a key priority requiring highly effective implementation during this seventh mandate, adding that authorities are committed to ensuring such crimes are eradicated and do not re-emerge in Cambodia.

To that end, the Royal Government has established a dedicated inter-ministerial task force to tackle online scams, with Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet personally chairing the mechanism.