Cambodia’s Telecom Regulator Penalizes Viettel for Lax SIM Card Checks That Enabled Financial Scam

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, June 16, 2026

Cambodia’s Telecommunication Regulator (TRC) has imposed penalties on Viettel (Cambodia) after an investigation found the operator failed to properly verify customer identification documents when selling mobile SIM cards, a lapse that allowed an unknown individual to register three numbers using a victim’s identity card, one of which was allegedly used to commit a financial scam.

In a public notification issued on June 15, 2026, the TRC detailed how a consumer became an unwitting participant in fraud after their national identity card was misused to activate Viettel SIMs.

The regulator concluded that Viettel (Cambodia) had not followed mandatory legal and regulatory requirements governing SIM card sales, distribution, and activation.

Key Evidence of Non-Compliance

TRC investigators uncovered a clear contradiction in records.

On May 8, 2024, the affected consumer was residing in Cheu Teuk Village, Kanchh riech Commune, Kanhchriech District, Prey Veng Province.

Yet Viettel (Cambodia) had told the regulator that the SIM cards were purchased the same day from a shop in Sangkat Tuol Tompoung I, Khan Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh.

This discrepancy demonstrated that the operator did not adequately verify the purchaser’s identity or presence, directly violating Cambodia’s SIM registration rules designed to prevent fraud.

Stronger KYC Rules Enforced

The TRC emphasized that all mobile network operators in Cambodia must obtain and verify valid identification documents before activating any SIM service.

The sale or use of SIM cards without proper identification constitutes a fraudulent act under Cambodian law, exposing operators to penalties and liability.

“TRC has consistently reminded Viettel (Cambodia) and all Mobile Network Operators regarding the sale, distribution, and use of SIM cards, requiring them to obtain and verify valid identification documents before activating any service,” the notification stated.

Public Urged to Report Irregularities

To prevent similar cases and protect public security, the TRC is calling on Cambodians to report any suspected irregularities in SIM card sales or use.

Reports can be made confidentially through:

• Hotline: 6789 (during business hours)
• Email: [email protected]
• Official Facebook page: “Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia – និយ័តកម្មទូរគមនាគមន៍កម្ពុជា” TRC

All reports will be handled with confidentiality, the regulator confirmed.

Why This Matters

This case underscores the growing risk of identity theft and telecom-enabled scams in Cambodia’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

SIM cards serve as gateways to mobile banking, digital wallets, social media, and government services.

Weak verification processes can turn them into tools for fraudsters, exposing ordinary citizens to financial loss and legal complications.

By publicly holding Viettel (Cambodia) accountable and reinforcing strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) standards across the sector, Cambodia’s telecommunications regulator is sending a clear message: operators that cut corners on identity verification will face consequences.

The TRC’s action aligns with the Kingdom’s broader efforts to maintain public security and social order in an increasingly connected society.

Source: Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) Public Notification, June 15, 2026. Official website: www.trc.gov.kh