Cambodia’s gaming regulator has revoked the operating license of Casino Kchom over its alleged involvement in online scams and other criminal activity.
The casino is located in Kampong Trach district in the southern province of Kampot, near Cambodia’s border with Vietnam. The July 22nd decision applies to operator Zhou Cheng K.P Hotel Co., Ltd.
The license had been suspended for more than four months before its revocation, local media outlet Cambodia China Times reported, citing the General Secretariat of the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC).
The regulator’s investigation found that the property was allegedly used to conduct scams involving fraudulent investment schemes. People were also allegedly recruited illegally and forced to participate in online scam operations.
The casino has been linked to former Cambodian tycoon Ly Kuong, who was arrested on January 15th. Cambodian authorities identified him as the alleged owner and operator of the casino complex.
Prosecutors have charged Ly Kuong and other individuals with illegal recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud committed by an organized group and money laundering. The case remains under judicial investigation.
Authorities allege that casinos, hotels and other properties under Ly Kuong’s control were used for online scam operations and to conceal the origins of illegally obtained funds.
The investigation into Casino Kchom involved cooperation between Cambodian law enforcement agencies and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), according to the report.
