National Police chief Sar Thet (right) receives a gift from Sano Tomoki, director-general of International Cooperation of the National Police Agency of Japan (NPA). SAR THET VIA FB
The National Police Agency of Japan (NPA) has urged their Cambodian counterparts to intensify their efforts in curbing online fraud, as Japanese citizens have reportedly lost billions of US dollars to such crimes.
The Japanese delegation, led by NPA’s director-general of international cooperation Tomoki Sano, met with National Police chief Sar Thet during the 41st ASEANAPOL Conference in the Lao capital Vientiane from October 17 to 19.
The Japanese side raised their concerns about online fraud in the bilateral meeting, according to the National Police’s October 22 press release.
Ogata commended the police for their law enforcement achievements, highlighting that 2022-23 marked a significant year of collaboration between the two agencies.
She raised the escalating issue of online fraud, which she said impacts regions globally and particularly in Japan, where many have suffered significant financial losses.
She urged the Cambodian authorities to enhance their cooperation in combating transnational cybercrime and emphasised the importance of using technological systems to promptly identify and address concealed perpetrators.
Thet stated that Cambodia not only values its ongoing relationship and cooperation with Japan but also aims to enhance it.
He also highlighted the NPA’s support, citing the technical equipment previously provided by the organisation to their Cambodian counterpart.
“[Our] National Police stands ready to cooperate as per relevant legal standards. All requests for assistance will be addressed promptly upon receiving credible information and sufficient evidence to base the operation,” he said.
The police chief also appealed to the Japanese authorities to consider assisting Cambodians facing legal challenges in Japan, advocating for their swift repatriation.
He also sought training for law enforcement on countering cybercrimes, a request the Japanese side agreed to consider.
Soeng Sen Karuna, a senior human rights Investigator at rights group ADHOC, opined that online fraud has more or less tarnished the country’s international reputation.
He urged authorities to prioritise addressing these crimes in collaboration with Japan and other international entities.
“We don’t want online fraud cases to persist. We call on the authorities to establish clear measures to prevent and tackle these offences,” he said, adding that it could harm the country’s tourism, investment and foreign relations if not addressed.
