Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently discussed telecom and online fraud in an AFP interview. The report described Cambodia as having become a hub for some transnational groups using false romantic relationships and cryptocurrency investments to defraud people worldwide. He said the illicit economy was damaging legitimate economic activity and Cambodia’s reputation, making its removal necessary.
He pushed back against questions about the effectiveness of the crackdown and allegations linking some officials to scam networks. He acknowledged that scam centres had indirectly supported some real-estate, construction and investment activity and provided some jobs, but said most proceeds did not enter Cambodia’s government. He said any short-term stimulus to particular industries came at the expense of tourism and the broader economic reputation, and denied that Cambodia’s economy depended on scams.
KPS99TV compiled report.
