ASEANAPOL Advances Regional Efforts to Combat Online Scams Through ASCOT Curriculum Development

Semarang, Indonesia | 15–17 June 2026

The ASEANAPOL Secretariat, represented by Executive Director Police Senior Colonel Dr. Kongkrissada Kittithiraphong and Director for Plans and Programmes Police Colonel Jean Mary Mangahis, participated in the ASEANAPOL Scam Combat Task Force (ASCOT) Curriculum Development Workshop held at the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC), Semarang, Indonesia, from 15 to 17 June 2026.

The workshop brought together experienced law enforcement practitioners and subject matter experts from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Malaysia, as well as representatives from the private sector, to develop a practical training curriculum aimed at strengthening ASEAN's collective response against online scams and cyber-enabled fraud.

As online scam syndicates continue to expand their operations across borders, exploiting digital platforms, financial systems, and vulnerable communities throughout the region, ASEAN law enforcement agencies face an increasing need for coordinated operational responses and enhanced investigative capabilities.

Recognizing this challenge, participants worked together to identify the knowledge, skills, and operational competencies required for investigators and operational personnel involved in combating online scam networks. Key areas of focus included intelligence-led investigations, financial investigations and asset tracing, digital evidence collection, online fraud analysis, cross-border coordination, victim identification and protection, and public-private cooperation.

The workshop represents a significant step forward in the development of ASCOT as a regional capacity-building initiative designed to support ASEAN Member Countries in disrupting and dismantling transnational scam syndicates. Beyond training, ASCOT aims to strengthen operational cooperation, facilitate the sharing of expertise and best practices, and promote a common understanding of emerging scam threats across the region.

The ASEANAPOL Secretariat views ASCOT as an important contribution to the implementation of the Bangkok Declaration and ASEANAPOL's continuing efforts to enhance regional cooperation against online scams. By investing in people, strengthening operational capabilities, and fostering closer collaboration among law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, ASEANAPOL seeks to support more effective action against criminal networks that threaten the safety and security of communities throughout the region.

The ASEANAPOL Secretariat expresses its sincere appreciation to JCLEC, the Australian Federal Police, participating experts, and all supporting partners for their valuable contributions to this important initiative.

"Think with Vision. Act with Unity. Deliver with Results."

"Together, We Keep This Region Safe."