PHNOM PENH — China has called for stronger action to dismantle scam networks in Cambodia, with its top diplomat urging the “complete eradication” of criminal operations linked to online fraud during talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a meeting in Phnom Penh, according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.
He said cross-border gambling and online fraud posed serious threats to public safety and must be “resolutely cracked down on and completely eradicated.”
Cambodia has faced growing international pressure over large-scale scam operations allegedly based in the country, where tens of thousands of people are believed to be involved in online fraud schemes, according to rights monitors. Some are said to be participating voluntarily, while others are reportedly victims of trafficking.
Authorities in Phnom Penh have said they are stepping up enforcement efforts against the industry in response to regional and international concerns.
The issue has become a key point of discussion between Cambodia and China, which has repeatedly urged stronger cooperation in tackling transnational cybercrime.
Wang is currently on a regional visit to Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar from 22 to 26 April at the invitation of the respective governments, according to Beijing.
