Eleven men accused of illegal gambling offences are expected to face court today after being snared in a police raid on a gaming house in Kandal province’s Takhmao town.

The suspects, including three Chinese nationals, were detained on Tuesday afternoon at an online gambling shop during a joint operation by provincial police and military police, according to Takhmao police chief Colonel Soem Buthbandith. “They were arrested because they have been operating illegal gambling and playing fishing [arcade] games, illegally, in the town,” Buthbandith said.

“These illegal games have impacted people, especially schoolchildren who live nearby this area . . . and it’s also caused many problems such as robbery, stealing and other illegal acts happening in the province.”

Buthbandith said three gaming machines were confiscated during the bust. He said the suspects were questioned yesterday at provincial military police headquarters and would be sent to Kandal Provincial Court today for further questioning.

If found guilty, the suspects face between one month and one year in prison.