The management of archaeological resource materials involves the protection of movable cultural objects that are vulnerable to illicit trading in underground markets. The creation of the 1970 Convention on the Prevention of Illicit Trade of Cultural Materials aimed to protect movable archaeological remains from being lost in the black market. In Southeast Asia, Cambodia is one of only two countries that is signatory to the Convention. With the advent and eventual decline of restrictions brought about by the global COVID-19 from 2020 to 2022, an evaluation of the fight against illicit trafficking of Cambodia’s heritage during the pandemic reveals, 1. that the illicit trafficking of cultural objects still thrives despite a global pandemic, and 2. that despite stringent border control measures, the implementation of the Convention, and domestic laws, the illicit trafficking of archaeological and historical objects from Cambodia persists. Thus, more stringent and legally-binding instruments and management structures must be in place in order to discourage trafficking, and secure movable heritage. This paper documents efforts to fight the illicit trade in heritage during the COVID-19 pandemic, and presents Cambodia’s domestic and international efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural materials within their jurisdiction.