NTS Cambodia Tax Evasion Agreement 2026: Closing the Offshore Loophole

There's no longer a hiding place for illicit wealth in Southeast Asia. South Korea's National Tax Service (NTS) has officially tightened its grip on offshore tax evasion by signing a landmark deal with Cambodia.

NTS Cambodia Tax Evasion Agreement: Blocking Illegal Transfers

According to reports from Yonhap on January 6, 2026, NTS Commissioner Lim Kwang-hyun met his Cambodian counterpart, Kong Vibol, in Seoul to sign an agreement aimed at strengthening information-sharing efforts. The primary focus of the partnership is to combat illegal fund transfers and the concealment of assets through offshore accounts.

Cambodia hasn't been a signatory to the multilateral agreement on the automatic exchange of financial account information. This status made it a challenging region for tax authorities to monitor. To bridge this gap, the NTS has been holding working-level meetings with Cambodian officials to build a dedicated mechanism for tracking cross-border crimes.

Cracking Down on Online Scams and Laundering

The deal follows an intensified government review late last year of South Korean nationals suspected of involvement in online scams operated from within Southeast Asia. It's clear that the Seoul government is increasing scrutiny on money laundering, especially as criminal organizations exploit international borders to hide profits.