International Declaration from Phnom Penh Conference Sets Non-Binding Goals to Combat Online Scam Operations

A two-day international conference addressing technology-enabled fraud concluded in Cambodia's capital with the release of a collaborative statement outlining shared objectives for disrupting criminal organizations behind online scam enterprises.

The International Conference on Combating Online Scams brought together delegates from 27 nations and seven global organizations on September 23-24, resulting in the Phnom Penh Declaration—a framework document establishing mutual priorities for tackling sophisticated scam networks.

Among the key provisions, the declaration calls for the confiscation and repatriation of illicit proceeds tied to these operations, with actions to be carried out under applicable laws and through bilateral consensus. Importantly, the document specifies that individuals compelled into criminal activity through trafficking should be treated as victims rather than perpetrators.

Collaborative Approach Required

The declaration emphasizes that no single authority or organization possesses the capacity to address online scam networks in isolation. Instead, it advocates for persistent, synchronized international efforts to dismantle the complete infrastructure supporting these criminal enterprises and cut off their funding sources.

All measures outlined must align with domestic legislation and international legal frameworks while honoring the sovereignty of participating nations, according to the text.

Cambodia organized the gathering with assistance from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, and the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center.

Eleven Core Objectives

The document signed by all attendees establishes eleven shared aims. The opening trio addresses enhanced cross-border cooperation, the disruption of enabling systems for technology-driven crimes, and the tracking and confiscation of criminal assets.

Objectives four through seven commit signatories to advancing technological capabilities, strengthening legal and policy infrastructure, building institutional and community capacity, and fostering collaboration between government and private sector entities.

The eighth, ninth, and tenth goals center on safeguarding trafficking victims, applying non-criminalization principles for those forced to participate in illegal activities, and reinforcing preventive measures against human trafficking.

The concluding objective pledges to dismantle significant scam facilities and their supporting infrastructure.

Voluntary Framework

While the declaration expresses the participants' dedication to translating these principles into tangible action, the agreement carries no legal enforcement mechanism. The document is voluntary in nature and does not impose binding international obligations.

Implementation will depend on existing domestic laws and international legal instruments within each participating jurisdiction. The framework also mandates full adherence to human rights standards, procedural fairness, privacy protections, and data security requirements.