“The recent trend in crime is cyber. Criminals are using advanced technologies as ways to transfer their proceeds from crime,” said Nhim Pisal, judge based in Phnom Penh who participates in UNODC training.
The complex nature of the crime calls for a need for all parties involved —police, prosecutors and judges— to work together to ensure that evidence is preserved and presented effectively.
“For successful formal international cooperation to happen, first we need to have successful informal cooperation. We need to know each other,” Judge Pisal added.
Pisal admits that prosecutors need to develop their own skills, especially in crypto, to gather evidence in digital form, and to know how to identify, collect and preserve that evidence in a way that is admissible in court.
0s and 1s and evolving
UNODC introduces experts to simulated environments that closely mimic real-world transactions but that use fictional “coins” with no actual value. Each participant receives these simulated coins and observes their transactions on a blockchain, gaining hands-on experience on the complexities of gathering digital evidence. The simulation allows participants to trace the origin of the coins, seize and document their transfer and manage them as evidence.
But digital evidence goes beyond traditional data formats. Through practical approaches, cyber experts are demystifying the intricacies of cryptocurrencies and illustrating the detailed nature of digital evidence.
“These experts do not just work on routine investigations; this work now goes beyond basic 0s and 1s and requires an in-depth understanding of principles and technologies that facilitate it,” said Himal Ojha, Regional Digital Forensics Expert at UNODC’s Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. “While analysing such cryptocurrency transactions, we deal not only with 0s and 1s but also a complex ecosystem of hexadecimal representations, decentralized networks, cross-chain transactions, mixing services, and more. It is more than 0s and 1s, and is evolving.”
UNODC trainers also address the unique challenges that come with digital evidence. “Digital evidence is not the same as ordinary evidence. It is fragile, volatile and susceptible to tampering or loss if mishandled,” a Cambodian police officer said. “We, as the authority, need to find ways to ensure its integrity in court.”
“While police and prosecutors handle the technical aspects of cyber investigations, judges must understand these complexities to adjudicate cases involving digital evidence effectively to make informed decisions,” Ojha said.
Cybercrime in Cambodia
Economic fraud in online shopping are threats that are often concealed until it is too late and the damage is done. Identity fraud adds another layer of complexity, with criminals impersonating family members to orchestrate elaborate deceptions. Phishing attacks, though less frequent due to rising public awareness, still catch many off guard. Meanwhile, mobile banking scams are on the rise, prompting Cambodian authorities to enhance their security protocols. Romance scams, where fraudsters exploit emotional connections for financial gain, continue to ruin people who are tricked into investing in fake crypto websites and apps.
Recent raids on online gambling operations in Cambodia have unveiled the scale of this problem, with centres housing 100 to 150 individuals engaged in fraudulent activities.
“No country wants these criminals; they bring a bad reputation,” said Lim Sengheang, from the Anti-Commercial Gambling Department.
UNODC has closely observed the scale of these cyber enabled fraud operations, revealing a highly organized network of criminals. “You cannot see digital evidence with your own eyes, and time is critical,” Sengheang said. “Immediate seizure, thorough documentation and expert analysis are essential. The technology behind cryptocurrency is sophisticated and requires specialized skills.”
Despite these challenges, there is a growing willingness among the public to report cybercrimes.
“People are increasingly aware of these crimes and are more willing to come forward,” said Uy Samphallarith, Director of the International Cooperation Department at Cambodia’s National Authority for Combatting Drugs (NACD). This heightened awareness and proactive reporting are crucial for combating cyberfraud effectively.
Addressing cyberfraud requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond enforcement. Prevention, public education and a coordinated response from law enforcement and the judiciary are intertwined. UNODC’s training programmes are equipping Cambodian authorities with the skills needed to tackle these complex digital crimes, underscoring the importance of a unified effort to safeguard the digital future.
UNODC also works with the Cambodian government on prevention and awareness-raising, international cooperation, and data collection, research, and analysis on cybercrime.
On 24 December 2024, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in New York by resolution 79/243. The Convention is the first comprehensive global treaty on this matter, which provides States with a range of measures to prevent and combat cybercrime. It also aims to strengthen international cooperation in sharing electronic evidence for serious crimes. in New York by resolution 79/243. The Convention is the first comprehensive global treaty on this matter, which provides States with a range of measures to prevent and combat cybercrime. It also aims to strengthen international cooperation in sharing electronic evidence for serious crimes.
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