Cambodia Just Made Crypto Fraud a Life Sentence Offense
The Law Is Passed. The King Signs Next.
Cambodia’s Senate approved the Law on Anti-Technology Fraud on April 3, 2026, with 58 votes in favor. The National Assembly had already passed it unanimously with its full 112-member vote on March 30, 2026. The legislation now moves to King Norodom Sihamoni for final signature and promulgation.
This is Cambodia’s first dedicated legal framework to dismantle scam compounds operating within its borders. The law covers pig butchering schemes, human trafficking for forced labor, and the use of cryptocurrency for cross-border money laundering.
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What the Penalties Look Like
Leaders of scam operations face 15 to 30 years in prison. If the criminal activity results in a victim’s death, that escalates to life imprisonment.
Ringleaders convicted of human trafficking or torture face up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching approximately $500,000 (2 billion Cambodian Riel).
“This law is strict in order to serve the interest of the Cambodian nation and people.” — Justice Minister Koeut Rith
On the Ground: 30,000 Deported, 200 Sites Shut
Since June 2025, Cambodian authorities have deported over 30,000 suspected foreign scammers and closed 200 illegal locations. International observers note the crackdown aligns with recent UK sanctions against major fraud complexes operating across Southeast Asia.
Authorities are now targeting a total shutdown of all identified scam centers by end of April 2026, with the stated goal of restoring the country’s international reputation.
