Dr Santisouk Simmalavong.

Anti-fraud hotline handles 700 complaints

The Anti-Online Fraud Centre has handled more than 700 complaints since late 2025, as Laos strengthens efforts to protect people from fast-growing online scams.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Khamlieng Outhakaisone, led a working visit to the Ministry of Technology and Communications on April 21, where officials highlighted progress in tackling online fraud.
Minister of Technology and Communications, Dr Santisouk Simmalavong, welcomed the delegation and said the Anti-Online Fraud Centre hotline number 1533, launched on December 29, 2025, is helping people report scams quickly and safely.
The centre has received more than 700 reports and resolved over 300 cases, with teams continuing to follow up on remaining complaints, he added.
The service has become a lifeline for victims, many of whom face financial loss from online fraud, bogus investment schemes, and social media scams.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s visit underlined the government’s strong focus on cybersecurity as internet use expands across Laos.
Alongside fraud cases, authorities have seized and dismantled illegally imported Low Earth Orbit satellite communication devices found in operation without permission in several areas.
Dr Santisouk presented a broader review of the sector’s work from 2021 to 2025 and outlined plans for 2026 to 2030, with a strong focus on secure digital growth.
He said digital systems are now widely used across government, including the e-office platform with more than 13,200 accounts in 44 offices, and the government e-mail system serving over 5,500 users in 49 agencies.
The government messaging platform G-Chat has more than 24,200 active users, while the document sharing system G-Share and G-Drive supports over 15,200 accounts.
Videoconferencing now links 42 agencies with more than 20,800 users, helping to improve communication between central and provincial levels of government.
Looking ahead, the ministry will continue to build secure telecommunications systems and promote the use of modern technology, including artificial intelligence, across all sectors.
Dr Santisouk said the goal is to create a digital economy and a digital society, in line with the eight strategies and 14 programmes endorsed under the national Digital Economy Development Plan.
During the visit, participants shared views and raised concerns in an open discussion on how to strengthen the sector and improve responses to emerging risks.
General Khamlieng gave advice to ensure the sector delivers practical results that benefit the general public.
The delegation visited the Anti-Online Fraud Centre, the Network Operations Centre and the Cybersecurity Operations Centre, where staff monitor systems and respond to threats in real time.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest UpdateApril 23, 2026)