On the 28th of March at about 8.30pm, in Phnom Penh, a 30yr old male was arrested by members of the CPU and Office of Major Crime who had been investigating the blackmail of a 14 year old girl and the transmission of indecent images of a child.

The alleged offense occurred in Bantey Meanchey Province in early March 2023. Officers from Bantey Meanchey Police Command and Anti-Human Trafficking Department had previously traveled to Phnom Penh to investigate the alleged crimes and arrest the suspect. With the assistance of the CPU, the Office of Major Crime and the Ministry of Interior, Police were able to arrest the suspect as he attempted to flee Phnom Penh. The suspect will be transported back to Bantey Menachey Province for further investigation.

“This is a significant arrest and I want to congratulate all agencies involved in the arrest. This is a clear indication and warning to persons that transmit indecent images and attempt to threaten and blackmail children you WILL be found and you WILL be arrested, excellent cooperation across several agencies and provinces has led to this arrest.” Said James McCabe, Director of the Child Protection Unit.