The Ministry of Interior issued a directive on Monday to boost measures to prevent and crack down on transnational crimes in Cambodia following a spate of recent incidents.

The directive was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Kheng.

It calls for National Police and relevant authorities to take effective measures to fight all kinds of cross-border crimes – such as unauthorised tourism, drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, illegal arms dealing and cyber crime.

The ministry aims to introduce regulations for the General Commissariat of National Police and the General Department of Immigration to improve cooperation in research, prevention and crackdowns at international checkpoints, sea ports and land borders.

Transparency International Cambodia executive director Preap Kol told The Post on Tuesday: “The Ministry of Interior’s warning is fitting, but it must link to a mechanism that involves the participation from experts of various entities who will follow through to ensure effectiveness,” he said.