Cambodia’s National Assembly has unanimously approved a draft law aimed at combating online fraud, in a move authorities say will strengthen efforts to tackle technology-related crime.
The legislation was passed on March 30, 2026, with all 112 lawmakers voting in favour during the fifth plenary session of the Assembly. The decision followed hours of discussion and clarification involving members of parliament and government representatives earlier in the day.
The approval comes after the Assembly’s Standing Committee reviewed and endorsed the draft on March 26, 2026. Under legislative procedure, the bill will now be sent to the Senate for further review and approval, although no timeline has been announced.
According to officials, the draft law is designed to improve the effectiveness of crackdowns on cybercrime, with a particular focus on online fraud operations and the organisation or management of scam centres. It introduces tougher penalties for offenders.
Those who train others to commit such crimes, provide accommodation to support operations, or collect private data with malicious intent would also face legal punishment under the proposed law.
The draft was prepared by the Ministry of Justice on February 11, 2026, in collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions. It consists of five chapters and 24 articles.
The justice minister told reporters that offenders could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment in cases involving additional serious crimes such as kidnapping or murder.
A report from the Ministry of Justice says that over the past eight months, Cambodian courts have processed 79 cases linked to online fraud. Around 700 suspects, including ringleaders and accomplices of various nationalities, have been convicted.
The report also states that more than 220,000 foreign nationals connected to online scam operations have left Cambodia by land and air routes.
