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Cambodia Seizes 11 Container Trucks in Stung Treng, Suspected of Carrying Gold Mining Equipment
In Cambodia's northeastern Stung Treng province, 11 container trucks were seized by authorities following reports from residents. While initially described as agricultural materials, experts suggest the contents are likely heavy machinery for gold mining. Connections to past similar incidents are also noted.
In northeastern Cambodia's Stung Treng province, 11 container trucks were detained and thoroughly inspected by joint forces after receiving reports from citizens and local authorities regarding the unusual and unannounced transport of a large volume of materials into the area. The incident occurred on the afternoon of September 16th in the Sre Sambo village area of Siem Pang district, Stung Treng province. According to local authorities, prior to the arrival of the trucks, three Chinese nationals and one interpreter had been actively seeking to rent land for material storage at a price of $350 per month, though no formal contract had yet been signed. On the afternoon of September 16th, 11 large container-carrying trucks arrived sequentially, causing alarm among residents who subsequently reported the situation to village authorities. Due to darkness and concerns for safety, joint forces under the orders of provincial authorities maintained a guard throughout the night and continued their inspection on the morning of September 17th. On the morning of September 17th, officials from the Stung Treng provincial customs and excise department verified the transport documents, confirming that the goods originated from Preah Sihanouk province and were destined for Stung Treng province, having met all legal customs requirements. However, during questioning, the Chinese nationals provided conflicting explanations. Initially, they claimed the materials were for agricultural use, before later admitting they were for constructing "sand suction barges" near Kaoh Tbaeng island. An examination and cross-referencing of images by mining business experts confirmed that the equipment inside the containers were assembly parts for dredging machinery, not agricultural equipment. It is strongly suspected to be equipment for gold mining. Regarding the purpose and location of the Chinese nationals' activities at Kaoh Tbaeng, it is recalled that around May 2021, a decision by the former governor of Stung Treng province, Mam Saroeun, dated October 20, 2020, permitted Cambodia Crown Holiday Industrial Co., Ltd. (represented by Ms. Sim Vibol) to conduct sand extraction business along the waterway in Nhern village, Stou1 commune, Sesan district. However, contrary to the business permit, the actual operational site was at Kaoh Tbaeng, in Ibo village, Ou Svay commune, Borei O'Svay Sen Chey district. At that location, numerous heavy machinery, a large automated screening machine, and other advanced equipment were deployed under the management of 7-8 Chinese experts and nearly 10 Cambodian workers. At the time, sources indicated that if 15 ticals (approximately 225 grams) of gold were not extracted per month, the operation would not be viable. Following the exposure of these irregular activities and information to the public, the aforementioned company subsequently dismantled its operations and disappeared from the site. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer
Original source
Koh Santepheap Khmer