KANDAL: The Department of Immigration, in cooperation with the General Commission of the National Police, deported more than 200 Vietnamese nationals in connection with online scams and immigration offenses in accordance with the Immigration Law and the proclamation of the Ministry of Interior.

The 257 Vietnamese nationals, including 56 women, were arrested by the National Police on December 1 in Kandal’s Arey Srat city. The police then coordinated with the International Department of Immigration in Bavet and the Mok Bay International Border Guard, and representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy to deport the people to Vietnam.

The Vietnamese nationals were arrested in connection with crimes such as online scams and immigration offenses, including working without a permit, misuse of visas (use of tourist visas to work) and illegally crossing the Cambodian border.

The Department of Immigration said that Cambodia has become a victim of foreigners who often use Cambodia as a place to commit crimes, which affects Cambodia's reputation on the international stage.

The Ministry of Interior has issued strict regulations to the relevant units, including the National Police and the Department of Immigration, to cooperate in researching and cracking down on all kinds of transnational crimes as well as immigration offenses more effectively.