Seventy Chinese nationals were deported on May 14 by the General Department of Immigration for internet violations and other cybercrimes such as organising online gaming.

Khun Sambo, deputy director general of immigration at the Interior Ministry, said of the 70 Chinese nationals, four were women. They were arrested on April 22, 2018.

Following immigration procedures, they were deported to China on two special flights – the first with 31 of them on board and the second with 39.

He said those who were deported had the necessary legal documents to live and work temporarily in Cambodia. “But they were involved in internet violations and organising online gaming, among other cybercrimes,” he said.

It was earlier reported by some news outlets that the deported Chinese nationals had no legal documentation, including passports or a valid visa.

Khun Sambo said: “This is untrue. Such news was exaggerated to put the blame on the immigration authorities. It is impossible for any foreigner to enter Cambodia without valid documents, and such a thing has never happened.

“So do not believe such broadcasts as it is fake news. However, some Chinese nationals have lost their passports while in the country, but they obtained temporary travel documents from the Chinese Embassy,” he said.

At a recent meeting between Net Savoeun, the National Police chief, and the Chinese International Cooperation director-general, Liv Chong Rong, the former stressed that Chinese nationals, including investors in the country must respect Cambodian laws.