Phnom Penh, March 12, 2024: In a resolute crackdown on illegal online gambling activities, Cambodian authorities are poised to deport 195 foreigners implicated in operating illicit gambling operations within the country's borders. The targeted operations, conducted over the past two days in Sihanoukville, resulted in the apprehension of numerous individuals engaged in unlawful gambling practices.

On March 9, 2024, Sihanoukville police conducted a raid on an illegal online gambling establishment situated within the premises of the former Paradis Island Casino, where 172 foreigners, including five Cambodian nationals, were apprehended.

The crackdown on illegal gambling persisted on March 10, 2024, with authorities targeting a new location, leading to the detention of 279 Cambodian individuals alongside 28 foreigners.

The 195 foreigners apprehended during these operations have been promptly referred to the General Department of Immigration for deportation. The deported individuals hail from various nationalities, including Chinese, Taiwanese, Myanmar, Vietnamese, and Thai origins. Meanwhile, the 284 Cambodian nationals have been directed to the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court for legal proceedings.

This decisive action aligns with the directives of Prime Minister Hun Manet, issued on February 14, 2024, aimed at eradicating all forms of illicit gambling activities at the grassroots level. The current administration under the seventh mandate of the Royal Government emphasizes prioritizing infrastructure development, including roads, electricity, and canals, to ensure the welfare and security of the populace. Moreover, initiatives to bolster economic opportunities, such as the establishment of factories to generate employment and income for citizens, remain central to the government's agenda.

The concerted efforts to combat illegal gambling underscore the government's unwavering commitment to upholding law and order while fostering socio-economic development and prosperity for all.