Phnom penh: A former Australian police officer named Christine has defended Cambodia against a misconception that the country is a 'scamming country,' stressing that Cambodian people do not want criminals operating in their country.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Christine said Cambodian people are proud of their country and do not want criminals to operate there, adding that Cambodia had been unfairly labelled 'Scambodia.' She emphasized the significant efforts by the Cambodian government to eradicate criminal networks, including scams, from the nation.

Christine, leveraging her background in law enforcement, noted the collaborative efforts between the Australian Federal Police and Cambodian authorities, as well as international cooperation from other countries' law enforcement agencies. She shared her observations from discussions with police officers involved in anti-scam operations, highlighting their progress in dismantling scam networks.

She praised the dedication of Cambodian task forces in their fight against criminal activities and human trafficking, acknowledging their achievements in the ongoing battle. Christine also offered advice on interacting with locals, advocating for respectful communication by using polite refusals if uninterested in what is being offered.

Her statements aimed to correct misconceptions and shine a light on Cambodia's proactive stance against scams and related criminal activities, illustrating a collective effort to protect the country's reputation and enhance international cooperation in law enforcement.