Phone home

More than 40 Chinese nationals were arrested in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district yesterday, accused of using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology to threaten and extort money from citizens of China and Taiwan.

National Police spokesman Kirth Chantharith said 43 Chinese “mafia”, including 13 women, were arrested during raids on two rental villas.

“They were arrested for using [VoIP] telephones from Cambodia to threaten and extort money from people in China and Taiwan,” he said.

Police confiscated 23 VoIP telephones, 49 mobile phones and other related materials, Chantharith said.

“They’re being detained ... for questioning and further investigation. After this, they will be sent to court.”

According to the Ministry of Interior, more than 500 Chinese and Taiwanese nationals were arrested in Cambodia  between 2010 and the end of last month for using such technology for extortive purposes.