UK and Cambodia Team Up to Combat Online Scam Networks

Lord Hanson, Minister of State for the Home Office, is set to embark on his inaugural visit to Cambodia, where he will participate in the International Conference on Combating Online Scams from 22 to 24 September. This visit underscores the growing partnership between the United Kingdom and Cambodia as they work collectively to address the challenges posed by online fraud and human trafficking.

Strengthening Ties Through New Agreement

During this pivotal visit, the UK and Cambodia are poised to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding, which will enhance their collaboration in combating scam operations and safeguarding victims of trafficking. This agreement exemplifies the enduring friendship between the two nations and marks a significant step in their joint efforts to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for orchestrating online scams that affect individuals globally, including in the UK.

The recent surge in international initiatives aimed at disrupting these criminal enterprises highlights the urgency of the matter. Lord Hanson will engage with Cambodian officials and members of the international community to strategise on cooperative measures to effectively address these issues. His discussions will extend to UN agencies and independent journalists, who have played a crucial role in gathering evidence that supports international actions against scam centres.

Cambodia’s Proactive Measures Against Scams

In recent months, Cambodia has demonstrated commendable resolve in tackling the operations of scam networks within its territory. This includes the introduction of new legislation, sustained enforcement efforts, and the establishment of a dedicated commission to spearhead the national response to these crimes. The UK acknowledges Cambodia’s substantial efforts and is proud to stand in solidarity as a partner in this vital work.

In collaboration with the United States, the UK has implemented coordinated actions aimed at disrupting criminal networks across Southeast Asia. This includes sanctions that have successfully frozen assets exceeding £125 million and have bolstered broader investigations throughout the region. Such efforts are part of a comprehensive international initiative involving partners such as the US, Australia, and Singapore, all of whom are committed to transforming cooperation into tangible outcomes for victims.

A Shared Commitment to Combat Fraud

The upcoming Memorandum of Understanding will facilitate enhanced intelligence sharing, financial and digital investigations, and improved protections for trafficking victims linked to scam activities. This agreement reflects a shared determination to translate growing cooperation into meaningful, lasting results and to ensure accountability for those orchestrating the international criminal networks behind online fraud.

Lord Hanson commented on the global nature of fraud, emphasising its devastating impact on victims who suffer profound losses. He praised Cambodia’s commitment to confronting these criminal networks and expressed pride in the UK’s partnership with Cambodian authorities. The agreement aims to create a practical framework for sharing intelligence, tracing illicit finances, and, most importantly, protecting individuals affected by these crimes. He also acknowledged the Cambodian Government’s leadership in fostering collaboration during this significant visit.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future

The challenges posed by online scams are indeed a global concern, with criminal networks in the region targeting victims worldwide, including those in the UK. The UK and Cambodia are eager to pool their respective strengths to better protect individuals from these threats. This visit signifies a new chapter in the collaborative efforts of the two countries and is part of the UK’s broader strategy to strengthen partnerships in combatting fraud across the Indo-Pacific region, notably through the INTERPOL Global Fraud Taskforce.

Both nations are committed to ensuring that the agreements forged during this visit will lead to substantial, pragmatic outcomes for victims in Cambodia, the UK, and beyond. The efforts undertaken here are anticipated to yield long-term benefits in the fight against online scams and trafficking.

Additional Context

Lord Hanson serves as the Minister of State for the Home Office. His visit follows a successful trip to Cambodia by Baroness Winterton, the FCDO Minister for the Indo-Pacific, in August 2026. In a related move, on 14 October 2025, the UK and US jointly imposed sanctions on the Prince Group, its chairman Chen Zhi, and associated entities for their involvement in operating scam centres across Southeast Asia. These sanctions resulted in the freezing of assets worth over £125 million held in the UK, including a mansion in North London and a significant office building in the City of London.

For further details regarding UK sanctions, please refer to the UK Sanctions List. The UK is actively supporting the INTERPOL Global Fraud Taskforce (Operation Shadow Storm), which aims to dismantle transnational fraud networks, initially focusing on large-scale scam compounds within Southeast Asia.

For media inquiries, please contact the British Embassy in Phnom Penh at UKInCambodia@fcdo.gov.uk.