The Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) would like to inform the public that it has received a complaint from a consumer whose identity card was used by an unknown individual to register three mobile SIM numbers under Viettel (Cambodia). As a result, one of the three numbers was allegedly used by a fraudster to commit a financial scam, causing the owner of the identity card to become unknowingly involved in the case. Following an investigation, TRC found that the incident resulted from negligence of Viettel (Cambodia), which failed to properly comply with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements governing SIM card sales. Evidence collected by TRC shows that on 8 May 2024, the consumer was residing in Cheung Teuk Village, Kanhchriech Commune, Kanhchriech District, Prey Veng Province, which contradicts the information provided by Viettel (Cambodia) to TRC, which stated that, on that date, the consumer had purchased mobile SIM cards from a shop located in Sangkat Tuol Tompoung I, Khan Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh. The above findings regarding non-compliance by Viettel (Cambodia) have led to the imposition of penalties in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.

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. This is because the sale, distribution, or use of SIM cards without proper identification documents constitutes a fraudulent act for which the responsible parties may be held accountable and subject to liability under applicable laws and regulations.

To help prevent and avoid similar irregularities and to promote public security and social order, TRC calls upon the public to report any known or suspected irregularities related to the sale, distribution, or use of SIM cards. The public may contact TRC through the hotline 6789 during business hours, or send an email to [email protected], or reach out via TRC’s official Facebook page, “Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia – និយ័តករទូរគមនាគមន៍កម្ពុជា” TRC will maintain the confidentiality of all reports.