"Speed Up Human Trafficking Fight: Sar Kheng", 24 March 2023

Interior Minister Sar Kheng has repeated his call for relentless work to curb human trafficking in all forms, warning businesses not to cover up illegal activities.

He said human trafficking mostly occurs at Sihanoukville, a hotspot of casinos and a shabby tourist destination. It was concerning that the criminals may seek refuge in other provinces.

Most of the suspects and victims were foreigners, making Cambodia seem like a place where it is easy to carry out human trafficking, he said.

“Cambodia is the victim of human trafficking. But we have worked hard to decrease the human trafficking cases,” he said … during the event of the National Report on Combating Human Trafficking … and Work Orientation … of the National Committee on Counter-Trafficking (NCCT).

He said human trafficking was still a concern that requires regular attention to rescuing the victims, arresting the perpetrators, and shutting down businesses related to human trafficking…

“We must continue to work hard and strengthen the work to make sure the culprits are legally held accountable and the victims are rescued.”…

“We encourage investment and business, but not the business that covers up illegal activities, human trafficking, and human rights abuses.”…

In 2022, the police cracked down on 166 cases, down on 2021 when there were 359 cases, and 202 suspects were sent to court…

A total of 225 victims were rescued. Among them, 124 victims were under 15, 31 were between 15 and 17, and 70 were over 18…