Cambodian police lieutenant probed over scam-linked visas
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 30-year-old Cambodian immigration police lieutenant is under investigation over allegations that he used his position to help foreign nationals linked to online fraud enter Cambodia illegally . Cambodian anti-corruption authorities said the officer, identified as Phe Phat Pheng, allegedly worked for a Chinese scam boss surnamed Zhang and arranged entry, transport and visa services through Chinese-language chat groups . Investigators said he handled at least 301 immigration cases from January to June 2026 and collected US$202,100, with the total potentially rising as the inquiry continues . The case has drawn added attention because some of those allegedly assisted were blacklisted from entering Cambodia or were using fake passports .
Key Points
- Cambodia's Anti-Corruption Unit said in a notice issued on September 25 that immigration police lieutenant Phe Phat Pheng was suspected of facilitating illegal entry for foreign nationals .
- The report described Phe Phat Pheng as a 30-year-old officer fluent in Chinese who allegedly used Chinese-language chat groups to coordinate arrivals, pickups and visa processing .
- Investigators said that between January and June 2026, he handled at least 301 entry and exit cases and collected a total of US$202,100 .
- One cited transaction on June 4, 2025 allegedly involved US$2,507 for 19 ordinary visas, four tourist visas and related VIP services .
- Another transaction on August 17, 2025 allegedly involved US$1,480 to help two people obtain electronic and ordinary visa procedures .
Why It Matters
The allegations point to how public officials can become internal facilitators for cross-border scam networks by smoothing travel, visa and airport procedures . For Hong Kong readers, the case adds to concerns that online fraud operations in Southeast Asia may rely not only on criminal bosses but also on compromised gatekeepers inside official systems .