PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): Cambodia's Kampong Speu provincial police are interrogating more than 10 underage karaoke workers and individuals allegedly responsible for providing sex services, after a raid on a KTV parlour in Samrong Tong district.
The raid, conducted on the afternoon of August 8, took place at Bopha Thmey Karaoke, a well-known outlet here, in Bak Chanchean Village in Trapeang Kong Commune.
It was led by Ngin Sokunthea, deputy provincial police chief in charge of Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection and facilitated by deputy prosecutor Chak Sambath of the provincial court, according to the National Police.
“The Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Force launched a raid to rescue underage girls at a karaoke parlour. Police found that the establishment employed underage girls to serve customers,” a statement read.
“There is suspicion that these underage girls were permitted to provide sex services to guests secretly,” it added.
During the operation, police discovered five individuals who may have been involved in running the parlour, as they were present at the scene when the raid occurred.
Sot Sokhorn, Samrong Tong district deputy police chief, claimed he was unaware of the case. District police chief Khut Sophal declined to comment, referring questions to the provincial police station.
Police are questioning the five suspects to identify those responsible for the operation of the establishment and to pursue legal action.
Sokunthea stated today, August 9, that the interrogation of the workers and the suspects is ongoing.
She added that after being freed from the parlour, the girls are typically sent to the Provincial Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation for vocational training.
“Now the prosecutor is questioning them. As for the girls, if they wish to find employment, the provincial social affairs department will help them secure jobs, such as working in a garment factory,” she said, before declining to elaborate further on the case. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
