A man was arrested in Prey Veng province’s Pea Reang district on Tuesday for allegedly coercing 30 villagers to work on fishing vessels in Thailand and Malaysia.

According to the police report, Sim Soeung, 35, a resident of Pea Reang district, trafficked more than 30 men into abusive and unpaid fishing jobs between 2010 and 2014, with the promise the work would bring in a monthly salary of $250.

“In fact, the victim did not get any salary and they were mistreated, and over-worked for long hours with no rest,” the police report reads, noting: “All of them were rescue by the embassy and sent back to their homeland.”

The report also explains that police interviewed the repatriated victims, and through their testimonies, came to learn the identity of the alleged broker.

Chan Yon, 30, mother of one of the victims, yesterday told the Post that her son was able to name the perpetrator when he returned home.

She said Soeung had come to recruit in her village by pledging financial gain.

“My son came back with nothing,” she said. “I pity him now.”