Ly Yong Phat Backs Cambodia’s Anti-Online-Scam Campaign

Ly Yong Phat, a prominent Cambodian businessman and member of the Senate, has declared his personal support for the government’s campaign against online scams, calling technology-enabled fraud a serious transnational crime that endangers the public, undermines legitimate businesses and damages Cambodia’s international standing.

He said he backs the government’s policies and firm measures without reservation, including efforts to shut down all locations and networks involved in scam operations across the country. Ly Yong Phat also expressed support for the two-day International Conference on Combating Online Scams, which opened in Phnom Penh on September 23 under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Zero-tolerance message

He voiced support for a “zero tolerance” stance toward online scam crimes, with no exceptions, and warned that such activity threatens ordinary citizens, weakens investor confidence and harms the country’s reputation.

As a businessman and investor, Ly Yong Phat said he is prepared to work with the government, law enforcement agencies and international partners to protect the public, defend Cambodia’s image and help build a cleaner digital economy.

Government’s broader campaign

His statement aligned with a key message from Hun Manet, who has urged investors, property owners, recruiters and other commercial actors to help prevent criminal networks from hiding behind legitimate businesses.

The prime minister has repeatedly said Cambodia must not become a refuge for online scam operations and must protect the progress and livelihoods of more than 17 million people. He noted that the problem did not originate in Cambodia and is not limited to the country, but stressed that accountability must be demonstrated through strong domestic action.

Modern anti-scam law, he said, must target entire criminal networks, including organizers, financiers, recruiters, property owners and others who knowingly assist their operations.

Cambodia set up a Commission on Combating Online Scams under the prime minister’s direct leadership in February 2025 and passed a Law on Combating Online Scams in April 2026. Authorities have dismantled all major scam compounds, though they have warned that criminal groups are shifting toward smaller and more decentralized operations.

Personal stakes for the tycoon

Ly Yong Phat’s public commitment also carries personal significance because he has previously rejected Thai media reports linking him and his businesses to alleged cybercrime and money laundering operations.

In an interview in November 2025, he denied reports that Thai authorities had raided 36 properties and frozen assets worth 400 million baht, about $12.3 million, allegedly connected to online scams. He said he had operated legal casino businesses for more than two decades and had rented some buildings to third parties after they closed during the pandemic.

He maintained that he does not run scam centers and said his company was built by his own efforts while contributing to Cambodia’s growth.