(Phnom Penh): Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi praised Cambodia's intensified crackdown on online scam operations and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to strengthening cooperation in the fight against technology-based fraud.

Ambassador Ueno Atsushi made the remarks on Tuesday (Jul. 14) during a farewell courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun.

The ambassador commended Cambodia's recent enforcement operations against online scam compounds, highlighting the swift actions taken by the National Police and the government's committee tasked with combating technology-based fraud. He noted that criminal networks have increasingly shifted from large scam compounds to smaller, more discreet locations, creating new challenges for law enforcement.

On the occasion, Ambassador Ueno Atsushi also affirmed Tokyo’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Cambodia, regional partners, and international organisations to combat transnational online scam networks, while expressing confidence that Cambodia will continue to strengthen its enforcement efforts.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun said government operations had forced many criminal groups to disperse from major scam centres to smaller sites, but underlined that authorities would continue their crackdown until the networks are dismantled and Cambodia's international reputation is restored.

During the meeting, the outgoing Japanese ambassador also encouraged Cambodia and Thailand to resolve their border dispute peacefully through dialogue and in accordance with international law. He reaffirmed Japan's support for efforts to ease tensions and assist affected communities.

The deputy prime minister also reiterated Cambodia's commitment to a peaceful resolution, emphasising that the use of force cannot provide a lasting solution.
=FRESH NEWS