PHNOM PENH: A group of seven suspected online scam “ringleaders” were placed in pre-trial detention at Correctional Center 1, commonly known as Prey Sar, on March 5, on charges of aggravated fraud.
They were arrested during a raid on the Star City building in Trung Moan village, O'Bek K'am commune, Sen Sok district, Phnom Penh, on February 25.
Lor Kroem, Investigating Judge at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, issued seven warrants ordering the detention of the seven accused.
The charged persons include five Chinese nationals: Xi Bing, Chen Lang, Xia Chao, Nan Liang and Fan Lei; a Nepalese national, Kiran Kuma Rbayak; and an Indian national, Mohd Sakib.
They have been charged with aggravated fraud committed by an organised group, a punishable offense under Article 377 and Article 380, Point 5 of the Penal Code.
Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated on March 6 that Cambodia intends to completely eradicate scam operations from the country in order to restore the Kingdom's reputation.
He added that once wiped out, Cambodia will prevent these crimes from resurfacing. Currently, the government is drafting a law against online scams that will penalise even landlords who rent their properties to criminal syndicates. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
