Police in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh have arrested ten suspects for illegal gambling activities as part of a coordinated raid.
The arrests came as a result of a joint operation conducted by the Cambodian Gambling Management Commission and the Anti-Gambling Department of the Ministry of Interior. It targeted two establishments said to be operating under a brand called 8888 in the Khan 7 Makara district of Phnom Penh that were allegedly involved in illegal lottery operations according to local media.
The enforcement action coincides with the release of government figures on arrests related to illegal gambling in 2023. Over the past year, the police executed 1,786 operations against illegal gambling, resulting in the apprehension of 3,155 individuals, including 1,238 women. Additionally, 700 offenders faced legal proceedings, and the Ministry of Interior also revealed that these operations were carried out across 712 locations.
Touch Sokhak, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior outlined the multifaceted approach adopted during the operations. It involved arrests, administrative actions such as contract signing and education, as well as inspections conducted at 302 locations. The authorities seized 10 vehicles, 390 motorcycles, and 143 fighting roosters during these efforts. Notably, the operations led to the submission of 165 cases involving 710 individuals to the courts.
