Cambodia's Anti-Scam Law Imposes Severe Penalties
Cambodia's new law imposes harsh penalties on scam-related crimes.
Why it matters: Stricter laws demand greater compliance from legal professionals to protect businesses from severe penalties.
- On March 30, 2026, Cambodia passed a stringent anti-scam law.
- Penalties include life imprisonment for scams involving fatalities.
- Fines can reach up to US$500,000 for serious scam-related offenses.
- Since July 2025, about 10,000 scam workers have been repatriated to China.
Cambodia has enacted a new law imposing severe penalties on scam operations, a move aimed at cracking down on organized crime and human trafficking (BBC News). On March 30, 2026, this legislation passed unanimously in Cambodia's National Assembly, receiving support from all 112 members (Cambodia Daily).
- Individuals involved in orchestrating scams face five to ten years' imprisonment, with fines reaching up to US$250,000.
- Participants in scams involving human trafficking or violence can face penalties of ten to twenty years in prison and fines up to US$500,000, with life imprisonment for fatalities.
Minister Neth Pheaktra stated that this law is vital to reshaping Cambodia's international standing and tackling the financial benefits derived from scams in Southeast Asia (Khmer Times).
Legal academia, like Jacob Sims from Harvard, warn that while these legal measures are significant, addressing the underlying financial networks that support such scams is crucial to prevent recurrence (Harvard News).
The legislative framework now awaits review by the Senate and requires the approval of King Norodom Sihamoni to be enacted fully (Royal Government of Cambodia).
By the numbers:
- US$500,000 — Maximum fine for serious scam-related offenses.
- 10,000 — Scam workers repatriated since July 2025.
- 112 — Members of the National Assembly supporting the law.
What's next: Cambodia's Senate and King Norodom Sihamoni will review the legislation for final enactment.