Phnom Penh Declaration Sets Global Goals to Tackle Online Scams, But Remains Non-Binding

At the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS) held in Phnom Penh on September 23–24, representatives from 27 countries and seven international organizations adopted the Phnom Penh Declaration. The document outlines a shared agenda to dismantle criminal networks behind digital fraud and protect individuals drawn into such activities through trafficking.

The declaration calls for the lawful seizure and return of assets tied to online scams, emphasizing cooperation based on mutual legal agreements. It affirms that victims of trafficking should not face prosecution for crimes they were forced to commit.

A Collective Effort

Participants stressed that no single government or sector can tackle these cross-border crimes alone. Effective action, the declaration notes, demands sustained international coordination to disrupt criminal infrastructure and financial pipelines—while operating within national legal systems and respecting sovereignty.

The conference was backed by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Interpol, and the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center (LMLECC).

Eleven Shared Priorities

The declaration lists eleven joint objectives. The first three emphasize international collaboration, dismantling crime-enabling networks, and identifying and freezing illicit assets. The next four goals cover enhancing tech capabilities, updating legal frameworks, building institutional capacity, and strengthening public-private cooperation. The following three focus on safeguarding trafficking survivors, upholding non-punishment for coerced individuals, and improving prevention strategies. The final goal commits signatories to dismantling major scam operations and associated infrastructure.

Although all attendees endorsed the declaration, it carries no legal force. Implementation depends on domestic laws and existing international treaties, and all efforts must uphold human rights, due process, privacy, and data protection.