Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - 100 netted in capital VoIP raid

100 netted in capital VoIP raid

Some of the 100 Chinese nationals arrested by immigration police in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district for their alleged involvement in a large VoIP scheme on Monday. Photo supplied
Some of the 100 Chinese nationals arrested by immigration police in Phnom Penh’s Tuol Kork district for their alleged involvement in a large VoIP scheme on Monday. Photo supplied

100 netted in capital VoIP raid

Immigration police arrested 100 Chinese nationals in Phnom Penh on Monday for allegedly running a large online phone extortion ring.

Immigration Department investigations head Uk Hai Sela said the raid was conducted in Tuol Kork district under the oversight of Phnom Penh Municipal Court Deputy Prosecutor Sieng Sok and was based on a tip from Chinese authorities.

According to Hai Sela, the scammers would flirt with victims online and convince them to give them racy photos, which they then threatened to release to the public or loved ones unless their victims gave them money.

Nineteen women were among the 100 arrested, according to Hai Sela, who added that none were from Taiwan, which has in the past objected to the deportation of its nationals to mainland China. “Those 100 Chinese were sent to the General Department of Immigration for investigation and procedural implementation,” Hai Sela said.

Immigration officials have deported hundreds of Chinese nationals for operating so-called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) scams over the years. Police arrested about 200 Chinese nationals in August in their biggest ever VoIP raid in Banteay Meanchey’s Poipet town.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the