Cambodia Arrests 3 Chinese Nationals for Kidnapping and Extortion

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, a Chinese national was kidnapped and held for ransom. On July 23, 2026, in the early hours of the morning, near the Vanda Supermarket in Village 4, Sangkat 4, Sihanoukville City, the victim, identified as LI BINGHUI, a 31-year-old Chinese male, was abducted by an unknown group and forced into a black Toyota Alphard. The perpetrators reportedly demanded ransom directly from within the vehicle. Later that day, at 3:35 PM, law enforcement launched a rescue operation. Specialized forces from the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police, in cooperation with forces from Kampot Provincial Police, successfully rescued the victim in Chum Kriel Village, Chum Kriel Commune, Teuk Chhou District, Kampot Province. During the operation, a suspect named LIU HAILONG, a Chinese national, was apprehended. Following further investigation, on July 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM, under the command of Lieutenant General NENG CHUON, Director of the Criminal Police Department, specialized forces from the department, led by Brigadier General HUN MONYRATH, Colonel HEM BONA, and Deputy Director Colonel CHAN KIMLY, collaborated with police forces from Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kampong Chhnang, Battambang, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey provinces, and the police inspectorates of Chamkar Mon and Boeng Keng Kang districts in Phnom Penh. This extensive joint operation led to the identification and location of the remaining suspects, resulting in the arrest of three additional individuals. The three additional suspects are identified as PANG WEIGANG, a 43-year-old Chinese national (holding passport number EL7880793), HU HAIPENG, a 41-year-old Chinese national (holding passport number ER2360242), arrested in Tonle Bassac Sangkat, Chamkar Mon District, Phnom Penh; and LIU HAIDONG, a 20-year-old Chinese national (holding passport number EF8099052), arrested in Andong Thmei Meas Village, Phsar Kandal Sangkat, Poipet City, Banteay Meanchey Province. These suspects have been transferred to the Criminal Police Department for interrogation. Subsequently, they were handed over to the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police for further investigation and legal proceedings. This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding criminal activities involving foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens, within Cambodia. The increasing presence of Chinese investment and residents has been accompanied by reports of illegal activities and organized crime, prompting calls for intensified law enforcement efforts.