PHNOM PENH: A group of 994 foreigners suspected of involvement in large-scale online scam operations have been placed in temporary detention at the Bati Pre-Deportation Centre for the first time, now that the facility is fully prepared.
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) reported that the suspects were transferred to the facility on Sunday, May 10. The group consists of 16 different nationalities and territories, including China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia and South Korea.
They were transferred from provincial police headquarters in Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, and Preah Sihanouk, and are linked to technology-based scams and illegal overstays, or have recently completed prison sentences.
The site of the pre-deportation centre site was formerly used by a large online criminal syndicate before it was raided and shut down last July.
The location, previously known as “Mango Park 2”, is situated within the Sopheakmit Residence in Lumpong commune, Bati district, Takeo province.
Takeo governor Vey Samnang stated that online scamming activities have been absent from his province for a long time, following a major crackdown on the aforementioned site.
He noted that the head of the government elected to repurpose the location to hold scammers while deportation procedures are finalised.
He added that the duration of their stay at the centre will depend on cooperation with their respective embassies, as some individuals do not possess passports.
Their embassies must issue the necessary travel documents to facilitate their return. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
