Cambodia Advances Cybercrime Measures With Scrutiny of Licensed Casinos

Cambodia is moving its cybercrime enforcement into a new phase that will scrutinize licensed casinos for suspected involvement in online scams and money laundering.

Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith provided the update in comments to Bloomberg on the sidelines of an anti-crime conference in Phnom Penh. As reported by GGRAsia, Sinarith stated that licensed entities can still hide behind this legal shell. That is why authorities must restrict and impose stronger management and inspection at the casino sites.

“Our next move is that we must take action on the casinos, because some are suspected of involvement in online scams and gambling,” Sinarith said. He added that Cambodia must investigate the financial network of the criminals, because most of the time the criminal proceeds are laundered through legitimate business.

Enforcement Focus on Prince Group and Offshore Assets

Authorities are actively investigating around 30 subsidiaries of Prince Group, a firm identified by several jurisdictions as linked to scams. Cambodia is also scrutinising offshore assets in Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Sector Reduction and Licensing Tightening

Prime Minister Hun Manet said earlier this month that the country was looking to reduce gradually the number of casinos operating in the country and tighten licensing requirements for the sector. The nation still has more than 100 legally licensed casinos in operation, a number described as excessive.

Earlier this year Cambodia ordered the closure of 91 casinos alleged to have been involved in online scam activities. These steps indicate authorities intend to eliminate avenues for scam proceeds to enter the legitimate economy through gaming venues, with further licensing adjustments likely as enforcement continues.

Reporting: GGRAsia

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.