Police in Kampong Speu province arrested 19 punters who were betting on a cockfight being streamed live over the internet on Monday.

In a joint action with officers from Samrong Tong district, provincial police raided a café where bets were being laid for a cockfight.

The café owner, allegedly known as Chea, escaped by jumping over a fence before police arrived. Police suspect he may have been tipped off on the crackdown.

“Gamblers used money to bet on online cockfighting which is also illegal,” said Kampong Speu Provincial Police Chief Sam Samuon.

During the raid, more than 20 motorbikes were confiscated, Samuon said, adding that the police are investigating how long the cockfight streaming had been operating.

Some of the suspects were elderly men who, after receiving health checks, were sent to the Kampong Speu Provincial Court on Tuesday.