PHNOM PENH: The number of people detained in the latest online scam crackdown has passed 3,000, with most facing deportation.
From June 27 to July 22, authorities conducted operations across 58 locations in Phnom Penh and 16 provinces, including Kandal, Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Speu, Banteay Meanchey, Kratie, Pursat, Kampot, Koh Kong, Oddar Meanchey, Stung Treng, Mondulkiri, Pailin, Takeo, Svay Rieng, Siem Reap and Tbong Khmum.
In the course of the raids, 3,075 suspects (606 of them female) were arrested, including 1,028 Chinese, 693 Vietnamese, 366 Indonesians, 105 Indians, 101 Bangladeshis, 82 Thais, 57 Koreans, 81 Pakistanis, 13 Nepalese, four Malaysians, and others from the Philippines, Laos, Cameroon, Nigeria, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Mongolia, Russia and Myanmar, according to a report from the Secretariat of the Ad Hoc Committee to Combat Online Scams.
The latest operation took place on July 22, in Phsar Doeum Thkov village in the capital’s Chamkarmon district, with 127 arrests of four different nationalities.
Authorities also “rescued” 153 Vietnamese citizens in Pursat province. It was not made clear how victims were distinguished from suspects. Among the evidence seized were Chinese police uniforms, firearms, narcotics, computers and phones.
In Phnom Penh, 11 ringleaders have been sent to court, with eight detained in custody. Seventeen Chinese nationals have been transferred to a deportation facility in Preah Sihanouk, and many other foreigners are now awaiting deportation.
The secretariat said the increase in operation tempo follows their first meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet, who chairs the ad hoc committee, on July 15. – The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
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