A recent report by transnational crime expert Jacob Sims, published by the Humanity Research Consultancy, identifies Cambodia as the epicenter of a global cybercrime network driven by Chinese organized crime. This network, which includes human trafficking, money laundering, and online scams, is reportedly generating up to $19 billion annually—about 60% of Cambodia's GDP—surpassing even the country's garment industry.(South China Morning Post, The Times)
The report highlights the involvement of senior Cambodian officials in facilitating and profiting from these illicit activities. Notably, Hun To, a cousin of Prime Minister Hun Manet, is linked to Huione Group, a financial conglomerate implicated in laundering funds for cyber-enabled fraud. Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha is reported to have invested in the construction of one of Cambodia's largest scam compounds. These revelations suggest that state institutions are complicit in supporting and protecting these criminal networks.(The Times)
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has expressed alarm over the rapid expansion of Southeast Asia-based transnational crime, noting its reach has extended globally. The "professionalization" of recruitment has led to the exploitation of individuals from over 60 countries, many of whom are coerced into participating in illegal activities under threat of violence, including beatings, torture, and even murder.(South China Morning Post)
Despite public commitments by Southeast Asian governments to combat these activities, the scam industry continues to thrive, supported by state-sanctioned corruption. Experts warn that the scale of these operations poses a significant threat to global economic and political stability.(The Times, South China Morning Post)