Two Chinese nationals, who hold Cambodian citizenship and were deported to the Kingdom by a Singapore court on May 6, do not appear to have been detained by Cambodian authorities. 

Su Wenqiang and Wang Baosen, both 32, were each sentenced to 13 months in prison on charges of money-laundering charges related to over $3 billion in cash and assets which were seized from a group of 10 foreign nationals by Singaporean authorities.

“There have been instances of Chinese criminals in Cambodia being extradited to China for trial. However, those holding Cambodian passports are Cambodian nationals, with all the rights and responsibilities outlined in the Constitution," Lao Mong Hay, a political analyst, told The Post. 

Wenqiang confessed to acquiring more than $600,000 in cash from illegal online gambling and using $500,000 to purchase a luxury car. 

Baosen faced similar charges, including falsifying the source of his funds and his employment status in Singapore. 

Wenqiang used a Cambodian passport exclusively, while Baosen holds citizenship in Cambodia, China and Vanuatu.

Touch Sokhak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, stated that regardless of their nationalities, individuals must be punished according to the laws of the country where the crime was committed.

Mong Hay criticised the apparent focus on tarnishing Cambodia's image internationally but acknowledged that although Cambodia has stringent procedures for granting citizenship, there are concerns about it being granted to foreigners who meet certain investment thresholds. 

"I suggest that the Ministry of Interior's inspectors should frequently inspect the granting of Cambodian citizenship to foreigners," he said.

“Lawmakers should also summon ministers to inquire about the granting of Cambodian citizenship, especially when it involves violations of the law, as in this case, or when the granting of citizenship seriously violates Cambodian morals, leading to public criticism or strong opposition,” he added.

Mong Hay also called for strict adherence to citizenship granting procedures, and opposed any arbitrary decisions.

Addressing public concerns about whether Wenqiang and Baosen would be charged or investigated for money laundering, Sokhak explained that criminal investigations are conducted confidentially. 

"We cannot announce investigations into specific cases," he added, emphasising the need for confidentiality

Mong Hay argued that if Singaporean authorities cooperate and share all relevant details of the case, the Cambodian authorities must arrest and prosecute the individuals to avoid tarnishing the nation's reputation as a haven for international crime.

In February 2022, the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court formed a dedicated team of specialists to manage all money laundering and cybercrime cases in the province. 

Led by Kor Vandy, provincial court director, and Seang Sok, the lead prosecutor, the 11-member team focuses on scrutinising and overseeing legal documents and guidelines related to these crimes.