Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior has strongly rejected a report by a US-based think tank accusing the Cambodian government of involvement in transnational criminal activity that poses a threat to global security.
In a statement issued on June 2, the ministry’s spokesperson described the report by the United States Institute of Peace as an attack on the Cambodian government. The report, published on May 16, alleged that senior government officials in the region, including Cambodia, are entangled in criminal networks that have grown increasingly powerful and difficult to dismantle.
The ministry defended its record, stating that Cambodia is working closely with international partners to combat online crime, human trafficking and money laundering. Authorities are also reviewing and amending laws to strengthen legal tools aimed at preventing and suppressing criminal activity.
The spokesperson further claimed that Interior Minister Sar Sokha and his family have no shares, ownership stakes or financial interests in Jinbei Casino, responding to allegations mentioned in the US report.
Titled Policies and Patterns: State-Abetted Transnational Crime in Cambodia as a Global Security Threat, the report detailed how criminal networks, often intertwined with state officials, have become deeply entrenched and increasingly sophisticated. Based on interviews with nearly 100 sources including diplomats, journalists, business people and researchers, the report pointed to Cambodia as a key hub for transnational criminal operations.
The United States has previously taken action in connection with these concerns. In September 2024, Washington imposed sanctions on ruling party senator Ly Yong Phat and several of his business entities, citing their alleged involvement in human trafficking, money laundering, forced labor and online scams.
The Cambodian government maintains that such reports are unfounded and politically motivated. However, the allegations continue to draw international scrutiny, with growing calls for transparency and accountability in the region.
