Khaosod English
US lawmakers say Cambodia’s scam industry could equal 60% of GDP
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 outlet. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
Profits from online scam operations in Cambodia may amount to as much as 60% of the country’s formal gross domestic product, according to a letter by two senior US House lawmakers seeking investigations into Southeast Asia’s scam industry.
Key facts
- Profits from online scam operations in Cambodia may amount to as much as 60% of the country’s formal gross domestic product, according to a letter by two senior US House lawmakers seeking investigations into Southeast Asia’s scam industry.
- The 15 September letter from House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar said reports had identified links between government officials and criminal scam operations in
- Citing a May 2025 report, the lawmakers said corruption, government protection and alleged involvement by political elites were key factors enabling Cambodia’s trafficking and cybercrime networks.
- They also cited a June 2025 report that found the Cambodian government’s investigations into scam compounds had been inadequate to prevent or stop alleged abuses including human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, torture and
Summary
The 15 September letter from House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar said reports had identified links between government officials and criminal scam operations in Cambodia.
Citing a May 2025 report, the lawmakers said corruption, government protection and alleged involvement by political elites were key factors enabling Cambodia’s trafficking and cybercrime networks.