(Phnom Penh): Delphine Schantz, Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), commended Cambodia for its strong commitment and significant efforts to combat online scams, while stressing the importance of stronger regional and international cooperation to tackle the rapidly evolving threat.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fresh News, Schantz said UNODC’s recent Transnational Organized Crime Threat Assessment for Southeast Asia showed that financial losses associated with scams continue to increase significantly.

According to the assessment, annual financial losses have reached approximately USD 114 billion across Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

She said online scams and fraud have become among the most lucrative forms of criminal activity, making coordinated action among governments, law enforcement agencies and international partners increasingly important.

Against this backdrop, Schantz praised the Royal Government of Cambodia for its commitment to addressing the problem, saying Cambodia recognizes that online scams are not solely a domestic issue but a transnational challenge affecting countries across the region and beyond.

She also commended Cambodia for bringing together nearly 500 participants from around 30 countries and international organizations at the international conference in Phnom Penh, including ministers, senior officials and experts from various capitals.

“This is a very strong sign of commitment because countries would not have come all the way to Cambodia if there was not a strong sign that the kingdom is committed to addressing the issue of online scams and relying on these partners to enhance their cooperation,” she underscored.

The UNODC regional representative added that the gathering demonstrated a strong understanding and awareness of the threat, while highlighting the need for international partners to work together in developing an effective response.

In the interview, Delphine Schantz also highlighted significant efforts by Cambodian police in recent months to crack down on major scam infrastructure.
=FRESH NEWS