Cambodian immigration officer accused of helping blacklisted Chinese nationals enter country for scams

A Cambodian immigration police lieutenant fluent in Mandarin has been arrested and charged over allegations that he helped foreigners linked to online scams enter the country.

The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) said on 25 September that Phe Phatpheng, 30, allegedly used his position to assist blacklisted foreigners, people travelling on false passports and individuals suspected of involvement in online fraud.

The allegations form part of a wider investigation into an alleged scam operation in Prek Ksach commune, Kiri Sakor district, in Cambodia’s south-western Koh Kong province.

Alleged payments for entry arrangements

According to the ACU, Phatpheng allegedly received more than US$200,000 for arranging the entry of foreigners into Cambodia.

Investigators said that between January and June 2026, he was allegedly involved in 301 cases and received at least US$202,100.

The ACU said the alleged fees varied according to the type of entry arrangement. These included US$380 to US$420 for business visas, US$900 for e-commerce entry, US$120 for tourist visas and US$450 for VIP fast-track border clearance.

The agency alleged that some people who had previously been blacklisted were nevertheless able to enter Cambodia through these arrangements.

Link to alleged Chinese scam group

The investigation reportedly identified Phatpheng through allegations concerning a Chinese national identified by the ACU as Cai Youyuan, who allegedly led a group of 42 people involved in online scams operating in Prek Ksach commune.

The ACU said Cai was also allegedly linked to several other online scam groups.

According to investigators, Cai brought Chinese nationals involved in online scams into Cambodia through Techo International Airport with Phatpheng’s alleged assistance.

The officer allegedly helped arrange their entry and prepare the necessary documents.

The Chinese-language Cambodia-China Times identified Phatpheng by his Chinese name, Phe Yongping. The ACU said he was a lieutenant in Cambodia’s immigration police.

Charges and wider investigation

Phatpheng has been charged by the prosecutor at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court with abuse of power, conspiracy to commit technology-based fraud and money laundering.

The case remains within the judicial process, and the allegations against Phatpheng have not been established in court.

The ACU said the investigation began with allegations involving Prek Ksach commune chief Riem Rom, who was accused of allowing an alleged online scam group to operate on his five-hectare property.

Four people have so far been charged and detained in connection with that investigation. They include Riem Rom, former Kiri Sakor district deputy police chief Chin Sopan, and Chea Suth and Chea Veasna, who are allegedly linked to efforts to conceal offenders.

The ACU also identified Cai’s alleged real identity as Zhan Jian Qiang, a Chinese national. He is currently at large and faces allegations including bribery, money laundering, online fraud and organising or leading an online scam centre.