414 ‘illegal’ foreigners discovered in latest Sihanoukville incarceration, torture, human trafficking and illegal online gambling raid
The extent of the massive crackdown in Sihanoukville became apparent after authorities reported that they had discovered over 400 foreigners illegally working in a compound in Sihanoukville
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration revealed the details of the three-day operation from 19 to 21 September 2022 to inspect “Galaxy World Company” located in Village 4, Sangkat 4. Sihanoukville on grounds of incarceration, torture, human trafficking and illegal online gambling.
The Sihanoukville Provincial Administration said that during the three-day operation, a joint force led by the Provincial Unity Command found a total of 414 foreigners, 42 females of 5 nationalities, including 351 Chinese, 30 females, 2 Laotians, 2 females, 46 Vietnamese, 10 females, Malaysian 10 people and 5 Indians.
Of the 414 foreigners, 168 (17 females) were found to be staying and working without proper documents, and 208 (23 females) were fined 104,000,000 Riel by the General Department of Immigration
In addition, foreigners who have already been fined by the General Department of Immigration are required to apply for a new work permit, which collects a total tax of $ 60,310.
No permit to use foreign labor in violation of Article 264 and a fine under Article 369 of the Labor Law with a total fine of 2,520,000 Riels.
Using foreigners without a work permit (more than 5 people) is in violation of Article 372 and shall be fined according to Article 372 of the Labor Law with a total fine of 12,600,000 Riels.
Payment of the remaining wages to a total of 104 workers amounting to US $ 27,796 as of September 20, 2022 and will continue to be responsible in case of further complaints.
During the operation, 19 suspects (11 Chinese and 8 Cambodians) were also arrested in connection with the illegal detention of people in the New Energy Hotel in Village 1, Sangkat 3, Sihanoukville.