Cambodia toughens law on online scams: Life term, heavy fine
The government has intensified its campaign to shut down and dismantle scam centers while arresting individuals involved in these illegal operations.
KATHMANDU: Cambodia has introduced a strict new law targeting online scamming, prescribing penalties of up to five million US dollars in fines and life imprisonment depending on the severity of the crime.
According to the Nepalese Embassy in Thailand, the new legislation, which came into effect last week, recognizes online scamming as a transnational crime and aims to curb and eliminate such activities.
The government has intensified its campaign to shut down and dismantle scam centers while arresting individuals involved in these illegal operations.
The embassy reported that a number of Nepali nationals are currently residing in Cambodia beyond their visa validity, many of whom initially arrived for tourism purposes. It also noted that some Nepali citizens have been found involved in illegally operated online scam centers.
In its latest statement, the embassy urged Nepali citizens not to overstay their visas, to avoid any involvement in illegal activities, and to immediately return to Nepal if they are engaged in such practices.
Authorities have also warned against falling for job offers that promise high salaries and attractive benefits, advising citizens not to travel abroad for employment on tourist visas, particularly to Cambodia and other countries.
The embassy emphasized that individuals should verify the legitimacy of employers and job offers through Nepal’s Department of Foreign Employment and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad before traveling for work. It further stressed that labor approval from the relevant authorities in Nepal is mandatory for foreign employment.
For those already in Cambodia, the embassy is collecting data and information on Nepali nationals to facilitate possible assistance in returning home. Citizens have been requested to fill out an online form to support this process.
Additionally, the embassy has encouraged victims to file complaints against those who facilitated their travel and involvement in illegal activities, either from Cambodia or after returning to Nepal, through Nepal Police’s Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau.
