Cambodian officer charged over scam-linked airport entry ring
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Cambodian authorities have charged 30-year-old immigration police second lieutenant Phe Phat Pheng, who was stationed at Techo International Airport, over allegations that he used his post and Chinese-language skills to facilitate illegal entry for blacklisted foreigners, fake-passport holders and suspected online scam personnel. Investigators said he worked for a Chinese scam syndicate leader identified by the codename “OD”, reported to be Cai Youyuan, whose real identity was named as Zhang Jianqiang. The Anti-Corruption Unit said he coordinated airport pickups, visa processing and entry arrangements through Chinese-language messaging groups and collected more than US$202,000 in about six months. He has been arrested, charged and the case has entered judicial proceedings.
Key Points
- The suspect, Phe Phat Pheng, is a 30-year-old Cambodian immigration police second lieutenant described as fluent in Chinese and assigned to immigration duties at Techo International Airport.
- Authorities allege he arranged entry for blacklisted foreigners, fake-passport holders and people suspected of involvement in online scam operations, bypassing normal immigration scrutiny.
- The investigation linked him to a Chinese scam boss using the codename “OD”; reports identified that figure as Cai Youyuan, whose real name was said to be Zhang Jianqiang.
- Investigators said that from January to June he handled at least 301 immigration-related cases and received US$202,107, or about HK$1.56 million to HK$1.58 million, in illegal proceeds.
- Reported fee schedules included about US$420 for business-visa entry, US$900 for electronic business-entry processing and US$450 for VIP fast-track clearance; some proceeds were allegedly used to buy a car and property
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case shows how airport and immigration insiders can become critical enablers for cross-border scam networks, not just the operators running the fraud itself. It also underlines the regional nature of online scam syndicates involving Chinese-speaking coordinators, forged documents and movement across Southeast Asian borders.