In Cambodia, lawmakers have unanimously adopted a new law targeting online scam operations with up to life in prison, following a government pledge to shut them down by the end of April. All 112 Members of Parliament voted to approve the legislation, which marks Cambodia’s first legal framework specifically aimed at a lucrative, illicit industry that has transformed the country into a global hub for cybercrime. The scam operations typically involve bogus investment schemes and feigned romances that collectively extort tens of billions of dollars from victims around the world every year. Speaking in the Parliament, Justice Minister Keut Rith said that thousands of people, especially from other Asian nations, are lured with fraudulent job offers and forced to work in scam centers in conditions of near slavery. He lawmakers argue that these crimes threaten public security and significantly damage Cambodia’s global reputation. The legislation awaits review by the Senate and final approval by King Norodom Sihamoni.