Cambodia Approves Life Terms for Online Scam Leaders

Cambodia's National Assembly unanimously approved a landmark law on April 3, 2026, imposing life imprisonment for leaders of large-scale online scam operations, including those involving cryptocurrency fraud and human trafficking. The legislation, passed by all 112 attending lawmakers in Phnom Penh, targets the country's notorious scam compounds, which have drawn international scrutiny for fueling billions in global financial losses.

The new measure escalates penalties for cybercrimes that have plagued Southeast Asia. Organizers of scam rings face five to 10 years in prison and fines up to 250,000, with sentences rising to 10 to 20 years if operations include human trafficking, illegal detention or physical violence. Leaders of major networks could receive 15 to 30 years, or life terms in cases resulting in death, such as from torture or failed escape attempts. Lower-level participants may serve two to five years and pay fines of up to 125,000. The law also addresses related offenses like money laundering, recruitment into fraud schemes and the misuse of victims' personal data.

Justice Minister Keut Rith described the bill as a "strict fishing net" designed to eradicate online...