On the afternoon of April 7, Phnom Penh authorities reviewed anti-scam operations and planned a new round of enforcement. Mayor Khuong Sreng said stronger enforcement and public participation would aim to sharply reduce, or eliminate, space for scam operations within the following one to two months as part of a “scam-free city” objective.
The mayor called for enforcement to become a sustained mechanism rather than a temporary campaign. The meeting reviewed experience and shortcomings and instructed unified command committees in all 14 districts to prepare action plans, coordinate with municipal police, encourage public reporting and inspect suspected scam sites. Those involved and property owners who knowingly enabled crime could face legal penalties, including criminal proceedings where applicable.
Municipal police chief Chuon Narin reported that operations from February 3 to April 7 had resulted in 1,165 scam-related arrests and the referral of 22 cases involving 140 people, including 59 Cambodians, to the courts. Authorities said they would maintain enforcement and inter-agency cooperation to curb scams in the capital.
