PREAH SIHANOUK — On the morning of August 3, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), together with the Ministry of Justice and the General Commissariat of National Police under the Ministry of Interior, worked with the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration to organize a workshop on “Investor Protection and Strengthening Law Enforcement in the Securities Sector” in Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk province.
The event was presided over by Sou Socheat, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Director General of SERC. Participants included Nop Heng, a member of the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Council, representing Provincial Council Chairman Vong Phanat, and Em Pheap, Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk, representing Provincial Governor Mang Sineth.
Speaking at the event, Sou Socheat said that, alongside the growth of the securities sector, some dishonest people had exploited opportunities to defraud members of the public by inducing them to put money into purported securities investments.
He said SERC had observed advertising through the media, solicitation and workshops intended to attract members of the public to trade derivatives, such as instruments based on gold prices and foreign exchange rates. It had also observed the collection of contributions from the public and management of those funds for investment in projects, with promises of financial returns or other benefits to investors. These activities fall within the scope of operations related to the securities sector.
He added that technological advances and the ease of bank transfers had enabled some criminals to create Telegram groups using accounts that impersonate senior leaders or licensed securities companies, deceiving people into depositing money for investment and becoming victims.
The Director General also outlined several ways to protect against such fraud:
As a securities investor, seek clear information from SERC or the relevant authorities before deciding to invest. This is better than filing a complaint with SERC or the relevant authorities afterward as a victim of fraud. Do not rush to invest money. Gather comprehensive information first; there will still be time to invest afterward. But if fraud has already cost you your money or property, you will have no money left to invest.
He stressed that knowledge, learning and regularly keeping up with information are essential to protecting investors and the public from online fraud and other fraudulent schemes. Learn about investing, attend workshops and training programs, and ask for, follow and share information with SERC to protect yourself, your family, your friends and the Cambodian people from becoming victims of fraud.
By: ធី លីថូ
Photos: Keo Dara
