PHNOM PENH: In the past two days, Phnom Penh authorities cracked down on a total of 36 illegal gambling sites, arresting 70 people.

According to a publication from the Commissariat of Phnom Penh Municipal Police on Monday, 19 September, the Phnom Penh Municipal Police cracked down on 36 illegal gambling cases from 17-18 September 2022. A total of 70 people were arrested, including 35 women (10 Chinese, one Korean and one Arab).

This crackdown took place following the order of the Phnom Penh Governor, Khuong Sreng, and the Deputy Commissioner and Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissioner, Sor Thet, who set out various plans and established a team to crack down on illegal gambling in the city.

Prime Minister Hun Sen warned in a special voice message posted on Saturday, 17 September, that he would not hesitate to remove officials from their positions in district, capital and provincial offices, nor from the police and military, if they are unable to crack down on illegal gambling in their respective geographical territories.

Meanwhile, the Royal Government has also decided to set up a national task force to crack down on illegal gambling sites across the country. However, district and provincial governors must also pull their own weight and do the work to crack down on illegal gambling cases, while the national task force conducts its additional duty of investigating officials who are suspected of contributing or conspiring to establishing illegal gambling activities in their respective districts.