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Thayer Consultancy Background Briefing:

ABN # 65 648 097 123


Cambodia Hosts FBI Seminar on
Cyber and Transnational Crimes
Carlyle A. Thayer
June 21, 2017

[client name deleted]


We've been informed by Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior that it will host a seminar on
cybercrimes and transnational crimes with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Q1. What are the main concerns that these two categories of crime could pose to
Cambodia?
ANSWER: The seminar hosted by Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior involved 150 alumni
who attended courses at the FBI Academy and focused on counterterrorism, cyber
and transnational crimes. The main concerns for Cambodia are (1) how to protect its
electronic and internet systems used by government departments and agencies as
well as the private sector including banks, credit units and business enterprises (2)
developing an intelligence picture of the main criminal organizations and cartels
involved in cyber and transnational crime and (3) gaining an insight into the operation
of global and regional terrorist networks and the potential threat this could pose for
Cambodia.
Q2. What are Cambodia's biggest weaknesses in these two areas and how could the
FBI assist in strengthening them?
ANSWER: Cambodia’s main weaknesses are in human resources and capacity to
defend against and counter cyber and transnational crime. Human resources involve
not only education and training but updating personnel on latest developments in
technology and intelligence on cyber and transnational crimes. Cambodia has
requested that the FBI accept two Cambodian students a year at its Academy. Capacity
includes updating existing software and systems to the highest affordable standard.
One example would be software to track currency transactions to identify money
laundering.
Cybercrimes involve sophisticated high-end technology related to hacking of
electronic files held by government ministries, banks and other industries. Cambodia
would only have rudimentary to intermediate protection in these areas. Transnational
crimes are of long-standing and Cambodia would have a need to gain an updated
region-wide and global perspective of the activities of criminal syndicates and their
tactics and techniques. The FBI does investigative and forensic work to identify the
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techniques and tactics of specific criminal groups and this knowledge could be passed
on to Cambodian security officials.
This seminar updated these alumni on the latest developments in countering cyber
and transnational crimes and alumni exchanging experiences and identifying areas
where the FBI could assist. Priorities in areas of bilateral and regional cooperation
were also identified and proposals made to address the way forward.
Q3. Since the Islamic State's announcement that it would expand attacks into
Southeast Asia, should Cambodia be concerned or take any measures to protect
itself?
ANSWER: If should be recalled that Jemmah Islamiyah’s master bombmaker Hambali
once hid out in Cambodia (2002-03). While it is unlikely that Cambodia itself would be
the direct target for an Islamic State inspired terrorist attack, Cambodia could be used
as a staging area and transit point for terrorists, equipment used in terrorism or money
transfers. Also, high-profile western targets such as embassies and schools for
international students could conceivably be terrorist targets. Recall that at least one
female involved in the murder of Kim Jong-un’s brother transited Cambodia.
Q4. Is Cambodia’s military force prepared to properly defend against attacks? Work
alongside other countries?
ANSWER: Cambodia has a military Special Forces detachment that is dedicated to
counter-terrorism response. The Royal Gendarmerie also has dedicated counter
terrorism units. It has a reputation for being adequately trained to deal with local
contingencies but it lacks real world experience in crisis situations. Cambodia’s
security officials work with neighbours, such as Vietnam, and other ASEAN members.
Such Cambodian forces responded to an armed attack in Phnom Penh by so-called
Cambodian Freedom Fighters in November 2000.
Cambodia is unlikely to have the capacity in intelligence to detect and disrupt potential
terrorist incidents particularly if they include suicide bombers using car or truck
bombs. Part of the key to defence is to have physical barriers and proper screening by
armed guards at high-priority infrastructure and other high-value targets such as
embassies. Cambodia is more likely to be successful responding to a terrorist outrage
that proactively disrupt terrorists planning and executing an attack.

Suggested citation: Carlyle A. Thayer, “Cambodia Hosts FBI Seminar on Cyber and
Transnational Crimes,” Thayer Consultancy Background Brief, June 21, 2017. All
background briefs are posted on Scribd.com (search for Thayer). To remove yourself
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Thayer Consultancy provides political analysis of current regional security issues and
other research support to selected clients. Thayer Consultancy was officially
registered as a small business in Australia in 2002.

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