AKP Phnom Penh, August 19, 2026 --

What began years ago as isolated fraud schemes has mutated into a sophisticated, multi-billion-dollar global criminal enterprise. Driven by forced labour, human trafficking, state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, and untraceable cryptocurrency networks, the online scam epidemic now poses a severe threat to global economic stability, digital governance, and human rights.

No single nation can dismantle these transnational networks alone. Recognising the urgent need for a unified front, the Royal Government of Cambodia – co-sponsored by the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Centre (LMLECC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (UNODC-ROSEAP) – will host the landmark International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS) from Sept. 23-24, 2026, in Phnom Penh.

Under the theme "Acting Together Towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams," this summit marks a critical turning point in moving from fragmented regional responses to a coordinated global offensive.

The rapid expansion of digital financial systems, social media platforms, and cross-border communications has allowed illicit syndicates to exploit human vulnerabilities and regulatory gaps with unprecedented speed and adaptability.

Beyond devastating individual financial losses, the ecosystem behind modern online scams represents a dark convergence of organised crime.

Thousands of individuals are tricked with false job offers and forced to work under abusive conditions inside illicit scam compounds.

Syndicates leverage emerging tools like generative AI, deepfakes, and automated social engineering to execute high-value fraud at scale.

Complex money laundering schemes involving digital assets and shadow banking networks allow syndicates to siphon billions across borders instantly.

"Online scams have evolved beyond financial fraud – they now represent a multidimensional global emergency touching on national security, digital trust, and human security," the conference organisers noted, emphasising that the reputational and economic costs demand immediate, systemic action.

Presided over by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the conference will convene senior government officials, policymakers, law enforcement leaders, financial regulators, cybersecurity experts, tech giants, academicians, civil society actors, and international partners from around the world.

According to the ICCOS’ website, the summit is designed to achieve three primary objectives: Deepen understanding of the evolving online scams complex ecosystems; Strengthen international cooperation, coordination, and multi-stakeholders partnerships in combating online scams; and Promote the exchange of experiences and best practices and develop a collective call to action to continue online scams.

The two-day conference will feature a high-level session addressing Online Scams as a Global Emergency, followed by thematic discussions on: Regional and Global Responses to Online Scams, Technology; Prevention and Cyber Resilience; and Countries’ Efforts in Combating Online Scams: Progress, Challenges, and Way Forward.

The conference is set to culminate in the adoption of a comprehensive outcome document. This framework will establish concrete benchmarks for international information exchange, capacity building, cross-border enforcement, and victim support mechanisms.

By K. Rithy Reak