Cambodian Parliament Approves New Law Imposing Life Sentences for Crypto Scammers

• The Cambodian Senate passed the Law on Anti-Technology Fraud on April 3, 2026, with 58 votes in favor.

• Offenders whose operations lead to fatalities face life sentences or 15–30 years in prison.

• Cambodia targets an April 2026 deadline to dismantle all illegal scam compounds within its borders.

New Legal Framework Targets Cybercrime Hubs

The Cambodian Senate unanimously approved the Law on Anti-Technology Fraud on April 3, 2026, marking the nation’s first dedicated legal framework to dismantle illicit scam centers. The legislation follows a unanimous 112-member vote in the National Assembly on March 30, 2026, and now moves to King Norodom Sihamoni for final signature and promulgation.

Justice Minister Koeut Rith stated that the law is designed to be “strict like a fishing net” to ensure online scams no longer operate within the kingdom. The measures address various offenses including the operation of “pig butchering” schemes, human trafficking for forced labor, and the use of cryptocurrency for illicit cross-border money laundering.

Under the new guidelines, leaders of scam operations face 15 to 30 years in prison, which can be upgraded to life imprisonment if the criminal activity results in the death of a victim. Additionally, ringleaders found guilty of human trafficking or torture face up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching approximately $500,000 (2 billion Cambodian Riel).

Regional Impact and Regulatory Outlook

The Cambodian government reports it has deported over 30,000 suspected foreign scammers and shut down 200 illegal locations since June 2025. International observers note that the crackdown aligns with recent sanctions from the United Kingdom against major fraud complexes operating in Southeast Asia.

“This law is strict in order to serve the interest of the Cambodian nation and people,” said Justice Minister Koeut Rith during the parliamentary proceedings. Authorities are now focused on achieving a total shutdown of all identified scam centers by the end of the month to restore the country’s international reputation.