PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak announced on October 31 that the safety and security of tourists visiting Cambodia is guaranteed. He noted that Cambodia remains a safe destination, with a high level of hospitality.
He stated that Cambodia is a destination where every visitor is warmly welcomed with trust and dignity. In particular, he added, the Royal Government of Cambodia has taken strict and immediate measures to suppress all online scam activities.
Hak emphasised that the seventh-mandate government has been and continues to pay close attention to the issue of online scams and acknowledges the concerns raised by the public and various media outlets. However, he deemed it necessary to clarify that these issues are isolated incidents, mostly perpetrated by illegal foreign networks seeking refuge in Cambodia.
“These improper acts do not reflect the true character of the Cambodian people or the true spirit of our nation,” he said.
Hak also acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, stating that the government has taken decisive and immediate action to suppress all forms of online fraud.
The Ministry of Interior, competent authorities and relevant law enforcement agencies are actively taking measures to crack down on illegal operations, especially transnational criminal networks, in all their forms. These operations have led to the arrest and deportation of offenders and the dismantling of illegal establishments, he added.
He also drew attention to the fact that although there are intensified reports of crackdowns on online scams in Cambodia, to date, there have been no cases of tourists falling victim to these online criminal groups, other than those directly involved with the perpetrators themselves.
In July, the government launched the most recent campaign to eliminate this kind of technology-based fraud. The campaign has resulted in the detention of the leaders of criminal operations and the deportation of foreigners who were involved in these crimes, to face justice in their home countries. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
