Cambodia’s parliament on Friday passed the country’s first law specifically aimed at combating online scam centers, setting prison terms and fines for fraud, money laundering, data theft, and recruitment tied to the illicit industry as scrutiny intensifies over the country’s role in global cyber scams, Reuters said. 

Under the law, those convicted of online scams face prison terms of two to five years and fines of as much as $125,000. Convictions involving organized gangs or large numbers of victims can carry sentences of up to 10 years and fines of up to $250,000. The measure also sets penalties for money laundering, collecting victims’ data, and recruiting scammers, the report said.

Justice Minister Keut Rith said the legislation was intended to reinforce an ongoing nationwide “cleaning operation” and prevent scam compounds from re-emerging after the current crackdown, Reuters reported. He said the problem had harmed Cambodia’s economy, tourism, and investment.

Cambodia previously had no legislation specifically targeting scams, with suspects instead prosecuted under charges such as recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud, and money laundering. The bill now goes to King Norodom Sihamoni for final approval, according to the report.

Last week, Britain sanctioned operators of what it described as the largest fraud complex in Cambodia, as well as an online crypto marketplace allegedly used to trade stolen personal data. Britain said the measures targeted a rapidly expanding network of scam centers in Southeast Asia where workers are confined in guarded compounds and forced to carry out online fraud.

Cambodian Senior Minister Chhay Sinarith, who leads the Commission for Combating Online Scams, told the Associated Press in March that authorities are seeking to shut down all of the nation’s remaining online scam centers by the end of this month. 

Read more at Reuters