Cambodia arrests thousands more online fraud suspects

Phnom Penh [Cambodia], July 19: AFP news agency on July 18 quoted Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra as saying that the number of suspects arrested in the campaign to crack down on online fraud in the country has increased to 2,000.
Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a directive on July 15 stating that provincial governors, police chiefs and other key officials could be transferred or fired if they fail to take decisive action to prevent online fraud in their areas.
Minister Neth Pheaktra, a member of the committee to prevent online fraud, said the authorities have expanded the crackdown to nine of the country's 25 provinces.
"So far, about 2,000 suspects have been arrested," he said, adding that the Cambodian government wants the country to have "no safe haven for online scammers" and "will dismantle all scam networks no matter where they hide."
At least 226 Chinese nationals were among the suspects arrested, according to a police report, which said some of the ringleaders would be prosecuted in Cambodia while most of the others would be deported.
Cambodia's Ministry of Justice said that prosecutor Kry Seiha in Pursat province has been suspended pending investigation into allegations of colluding with online fraudsters. In addition, five suspects illegally released by Seiha have been re-arrested.
Cambodian media reports that the government is conducting an unprecedented crackdown on online fraud .
Accordingly, the scale, speed and coordination of the crackdown campaign shows that the government is not only serious about dealing with this crime but also determined to fulfill its commitment to dismantle networks that exploit Cambodia as a place for transnational fraud.
The arrested suspects, along with evidence, have been handed over to provincial police and immigration authorities for investigation and handling.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper