In Cambodia, the vice chairwoman of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT) has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to end crimes that flourish in border cities.
As reported by the Khmer Times, Chou Bun Eng, secretary of state of the Ministry of Interior, said, “We are committed to stop human trafficking, online gambling and other crimes along the Cambodian border.”
The crime rate has decreased in Preah Sihanouk Province, once a hotbed of such activities, she said. But now the crimes have shifted to other areas along the borders with Vietnam and Cambodia.
“Our police are working every day, especially at the border, because perpetrators have moved from one province to another,” Bun Eng said.
During one week in January, she added, law enforcement received requests for help from the families of 11 foreigners in 32 cases in Kandal, Svay Rieng, Koh Kong, Kampot, Pursat and Oddar Meanchey provinces.
Major General Sithi Loh, police chief in Banteay Meanchey Province, said authorities are cracking down on these crimes. “If there are complaints from victims, we will intervene and rescue them, according to the instructions of the government and the Ministry of Interior.”
Soeng Senkaruna, a senior investigator of the human rights group Ad Hoc, said, “Foreign authorities must provide clear information about the identities of the victims who are working illegally in Cambodia.
“If the Cambodian authorities receive the clear information, it will be easier to investigate and take legal actions on human trafficking and illegal online gambling.”
