(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet pledged his full backing for authorities to continue an unrelenting nationwide crackdown on online scams, warning law enforcement officials that they must put the interests of the country above fear of offending individuals or losing personal interests.

Speaking at the inauguration of Luang Me Hospital on Wednesday (Sep. 16), the premier said scam operations damage Cambodia’s reputation, tourism and economy, comparing the crackdown to necessary surgery despite short-term economic impacts.

“Chinese investors who come here to establish factories are welcome, but factories producing scams are not,” the premier said, rejecting claims that the campaign targets legitimate foreign investors.

He instructed the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, and the Commission for Combatting Online Scams to strengthen cooperation in protecting Cambodians from fraud conducted through telephone calls and other technologies.

The premier also warned officials unwilling to enforce the law to step aside.

“There is a red line, and online scams are a red-line issue,” he said, adding that he would take responsibility for the consequences of the crackdown.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei underlined that Cambodia must prioritise the future interests of its population and protect the country from reputational damage associated with online scam operations.
=FRESH NEWS