Card sharks have something of a glamorous reputation, but for a 27-year-old Japanese woman who lost about $12,000 to a con-man in Siem Reap, this image must seem ill deserved.

The unfortunate dupe was tricked by the 39-year-old cheat from the Philippines, after he lulled her into a false sense of security by letting her win, before turning the tables, and winning back anything he’d lost plus a whole lot more.

The fraudster was arrested on Monday after his victim filed a complaint.

RASMEI KAMPUCHEA