PHNOM PENH: Cambodian police have arrested a man accused of orchestrating an elaborate Telegram scam in which he allegedly impersonated senior government and police officials to intimidate people into paying him money. Authorities claim he carried out the scheme around 50 times and obtained more than US$110,000.
The arrest was made on June 20 by officers from the Anti-Cyber Crime Department, working alongside the Internal Security Department and Tbong Khmum provincial police, according to a statement released by the department.
Police said the suspect used fake Telegram accounts featuring photographs of senior leaders and law enforcement officials to threaten victims and extort money.
Investigators said the suspect employed a sophisticated scam that targeted people who purchased goods through Facebook Live broadcasts, particularly those selling clothing and fruit.
According to authorities, the suspect would watch the live broadcasts, identify customers who had placed orders and then create fake Telegram accounts impersonating the business owners.
He would contact the customers, claiming they had transferred money incorrectly and caused problems with the store’s banking system or payment platform, allegedly resulting in the business account being temporarily blocked.
Under this pretext, victims were told they needed to make additional payments to resolve the issue.
When victims hesitated or refused to comply, the suspect allegedly switched tactics, using separate Telegram accounts impersonating senior officials or National Police officers to threaten them with arrest unless they transferred money.
Police described the scheme as a new form of cyber fraud that exploits public trust in state institutions and prominent figures.
“The offender not only impersonated online vendors, but also used the names and images of senior leaders and state institutions as tools to gain credibility and instil fear among victims,” the department said.
The case comes as Cambodia steps up efforts to combat cyber-enabled crime following this year’s enactment of the Law on Combating Technology-Based Scams, which introduced tougher penalties for online fraud and organised cybercrime.
The Anti-Cyber Crime Department said it has forwarded the suspect to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for further legal proceedings.
Authorities also urged the public to exercise caution when receiving messages from unknown social media or messaging accounts and warned against transferring money based on unverified claims or threats.
They advised anyone encountering suspicious online activity to report it immediately to law enforcement agencies so investigations can be launched and similar scams prevented. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
