ICCOS-2026 concludes with 11-point ‘Phnom Penh Declaration’

The International Conference on Combatting Online Scams (ICCOS-2026) concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Phnom Penh Declaration. The agreement outlines an 11-point roadmap designed to dismantle the digital and physical infrastructure of transnational scam syndicates.

Ministry of Justice Secretary of State Keng Somarith announced the declaration following the two-day event. He emphasized that the initiative operates under the theme of working together to disrupt and end online scams. The declaration identifies these criminal networks as a rapidly evolving threat that exploits jurisdictional loopholes to facilitate money laundering and financial fraud.

Somarith stated that the conference participants reached a consensus that no single nation or institution can effectively combat these crimes in isolation. The 11-point plan calls for enhanced international cooperation, including the sharing of intelligence and coordinated efforts to track, freeze, and confiscate illicit assets. Participating states committed to updating national legal frameworks to address regulatory gaps and to leveraging digital forensics and financial data analysis to track criminal operations.

The declaration also emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships, involving telecommunications providers, financial institutions, and technology platforms in real-time intelligence sharing. Additionally, the roadmap includes provisions for public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on fraudulent investment and job recruitment schemes.

A significant portion of the agreement addresses the human trafficking associated with scam centers. Participating nations committed to the rescue and safe repatriation of victims, establishing a non-punishment principle for those coerced into participating in criminal activities. Somarith clarified that this protection does not extend to individuals who voluntarily return to scam operations after being repatriated.

The declaration concludes with a commitment to physically eliminate the operational bases of these syndicates through the implementation of transparent and swift legal measures, while respecting state sovereignty and existing national laws.

Article and image source: khmertimeskh.com