Background
The National Police leadership issued operational guidance directing the General Department Against Commercial Gambling Crimes to intensify action against unlawful sissang gambling activities and technology-enabled fraud (online scams). The order was issued during a departmental meeting led by senior police leadership and addressed both field operations and internal conduct requirements for officers.
The directive explicitly called for strengthened liaison with financial-investigation mechanisms and closer attention to anti-money‑laundering reporting from the specialist working group. The instruction also set expectations for notification, summons and procedural measures against individuals who persistently promote illegal gambling on social media.
Scope of Application
The directive applies to the General Department Against Commercial Gambling Crimes and its officers, with operational emphasis on sites and networks linked to illegal gambling and online scams, including unlicensed casinos and social-media promotion channels in Phnom Penh. The guidance covers operational planning, role assignment for department leadership and field staff, and internal discipline measures for police personnel.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- Maintain strict professional ethics and enforce discipline for police personnel; minor breaches are to be handled administratively while serious violations will face legal action.
- Prepare operational plans and clearly define roles for leaders and officers to conduct targeted crackdowns on illegal sissang gambling locations, with special focus on Phnom Penh geography.
- Prohibit any involvement by police officers in illegal gambling or unlicensed casino activities and require immediate withdrawal and reporting of any suspected links.
- Summon and advise individuals who disseminate illegal gambling promotions on social media, and apply procedural steps that can include detention if promotional activity continues after warning.
- Increase supervision and reporting of incidents occurring in casinos, with clear and timely incident reports to headquarters.
- Enhance timely implementation and response to tasks assigned by department leadership.
- Strengthen internal cohesion through team-based work, regular knowledge and experience sharing among officers.
- Provide enhanced training courses to improve officers’ operational skills against gambling and online-fraud crimes.
- Prioritize anti‑money‑laundering work, including clear reporting of financial-investigation findings to the designated AML/CTF working group.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
Online platforms, social-media advertisers, and gaming venues should note an increased operational focus by police on illegal gambling promotion and technology-enabled fraud; continued promotion of illicit gambling after official warning may result in law‑enforcement procedural measures. Businesses operating licensed casinos and digital platforms are likely to face closer scrutiny of incident reporting and financial flows tied to gambling activity, and should ensure internal compliance with AML reporting expectations.
Official Source
Announcement published by the National Police of Cambodia: police.gov.kh/?p=181583 and related social-media post by National Police of Cambodia at the provided source URL.
