PHNOM PENH: The NHK has reported that 19 Japanese nationals living in Cambodia have been identified by the Tokyo Police as potential phone scammers targeting people in Japan. NHK reported on Friday, 7 April 2023, that Tokyo police have issued arrest warrants for the 19 individuals.

Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Chuon Narin, confirmed to EAC News that Cambodian authorities received information back in January that led to the detainment of 19 Japanese nationals staying at a hotel in Sihanoukville.

"The 19 Japanese nationals have been detained since January 2023, sent to the Central Security Department (CDS) for further action," he said.

According to NHK, Cambodian authorities searched a hotel room in Sihanoukville in January and found a list of Japanese nationals believed to be involved in a phone scam scheme. Japanese police have also reportedly found a list of targeted Japanese citizens, including a 60-year-old Tokyo resident who was defrauded of US $1,900 back in January.