Foreigners Arrested in Cambodia's Pailin Province Over Online Scam Allegations

In Pailin Province, western Cambodia, authorities have arrested 46 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in online scams during a large-scale operation. On the afternoon of the 30th, under the command of Pailin Provincial Governor and Chairman of the Provincial Unification Command, Ms. Ban Sreymom, security forces raided two remote resorts located near the foothills in Toul Khiev village, Pailin City, and in Khlong village, O'Ta Vao commune. During the search, a total of 46 foreigners, including 7 women, were apprehended, and numerous items suspected of being used in criminal activities were seized. This operation is in line with the strict policy and strong will of the Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, regarding the crackdown on online scams. The government is arresting criminals and their accomplices, sending them to court for prosecution, and deporting many back to their home countries. Provincial Governor Ban Sreymom stated that she will continue to address this issue persistently, expressing a firm determination to eradicate all cybercrimes, including online scams and illegal online gambling, in accordance with the government's "Village-Commune-District Safety Policy" and legal enforcement. The governor further added that any suspicious activity will prompt an order for the joint security forces and local authorities to investigate immediately. If involvement is confirmed after arrest and interrogation, legal proceedings will lead to the offenders being sent to court and subsequently deported from Cambodia. This large-scale crackdown has surprised residents in the foothill areas. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer