Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently gave a rare interview to international media in Brussels, the Belgian capital, strongly rejecting allegations that his country’s economy depends on scam industries and revealing the results of the government’s harsh crackdown on online fraud. He stressed that scams constitute a “black economy” that is severely undermining the nation’s legitimate economy and international reputation, and that sustained crackdowns have cut online scam activities by roughly 50 percent.
In response to questions from AFP journalists, Hun Manet firmly denied that scam industries form the backbone of Cambodia’s economy. “Some claim Cambodia’s GDP relies on these scam centers. That is not true. Our economy is driven by legitimate activities such as tourism and manufacturing,” he stated clearly.
While acknowledging that scam operations had indirectly boosted some commercial activity and created limited jobs, he emphasized that the Cambodian government had never profited from them. “Most of the proceeds do not flow into the Cambodian government,” he said. He added that scam industries generate no real fiscal revenue for the country and instead severely damage its tourism sector, investment climate and international image. “That is why we must completely eradicate these activities.”
Hun Manet disclosed in the interview that since issuing a nationwide unified crackdown order last July, the government has coordinated law enforcement and armed forces at all levels to launch large-scale operations, successfully reducing online fraud by about 50 percent. According to official figures, thousands of people have been arrested during the operations, demonstrating the government’s resolve.
In early January this year, Cambodian authorities arrested Chen Zhi, founder and chairman of Prince Group, on suspicion of telecom fraud and money laundering, and deported him to China. Hun Manet specifically referenced the case, stressing that before the allegations, Chen Zhi “was simply a businessman who contributed to the economy” and that the government acted immediately after obtaining evidence of his alleged illegal activity. He revealed that Chen Zhi had acquired Cambodian citizenship using forged documents; his citizenship has since been revoked, and he was extradited as a Chinese national only.
Hun Manet said he had not been aware that Chen Zhi was a mastermind behind scam operations, noting that Chen had business operations in several countries including the United Kingdom.
Cambodia has been plagued by scam compound issues in recent years and is viewed internationally as a hub for online fraud rings. A 2024 report by the United States Institute of Peace estimated that Cambodia’s online scam industry generates up to $12.5 billion annually (roughly HK$98 billion), equivalent to half of the country’s GDP, drawing intense international attention and pressure.
Hun Manet’s high-profile interview with Western media is seen as a major public relations move by the Cambodian government to rebuild its international image and address external doubts. He repeatedly emphasized the government’s firm stance against scams, seeking to reverse the negative international perception that Cambodia tolerates fraudulent activities.
Beyond the scam issue, Hun Manet also discussed the recent escalation of border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. Phnom Penh denied accusations by the Thai military that Cambodian forces fired grenades at a Thai patrol on the 24th. Hun Manet stressed that Cambodia has no intention of escalating the situation. “We want de-escalation, we want peaceful coexistence,” he stated, reaffirming his country’s commitment to resolving border disputes through peaceful means.
Bangkok, for its part, insists that Thai military operations aim to reclaim disputed land it says has been occupied by Cambodia for years. When asked by reporters whether Cambodian forces would fight to reclaim lost territory, Hun Manet once again stated his position of pursuing a peaceful settlement.
