An illegal casino in Siem Reap town’s Kokchak commune was raided on Sunday by provincial and military police, who detained 14 people, officials said yesterday.

Deputy provincial police chief Um Amra said yesterday that the gambling operation was housed inside five apartments in Borey Prem Prey, on the road between the city and Angkor Wat, about 3 kilometres from the town centre.

“This is a big gambling place that we can call an illegal casino,” he said. “After the raid, led by our provincial governor, Khim Bun Song, we detained 14 people, including the casino’s general manager, and confiscated gambling machines.”

Police caught on to the operation when they noticed trucks with gambling machines drive into the city, Amra said. Subsequent investigation revealed where the delivery was made.

“We had been investigating for one week. After receiving specific information, the provincial governor ordered us to raid the casino,” he said.

“The raid took place on the first day of its operation, and we detained them with the evidence.”

Military police impounded four card tables, 28 slot machines, and three “fish shooting” arcade games as evidence.

“The police are hunting for two masterminds who are the casino’s owners,” Amra said.