Cambodian Border Police Arrested for Trafficking Migrants

Police

Six Cambodian border police officers have been arrested for allegedly aiding the illegal trafficking of migrant workers across the closed frontier with Thailand, in defiance of government orders amid ongoing territorial tensions.

The arrests, carried out by the 51st Military Division and Banteay Meanchey Provincial Military Police, targeted officers stationed at the O’ Lhong border checkpoint. Among those detained were three majors—Sok Sam Ol, Proem Den, and Prum Pho—and three sergeants from the 891st Land Border Protection Battalion.

Military investigators say the officers facilitated the smuggling of both Cambodian and Thai workers seeking employment, despite a government-imposed travel ban due to the border dispute. “They’ve been helping human brokers traffic workers illegally in exchange for payment,” said Major Keo Sareth, Deputy Commander of Malai district military police.

The arrests follow a public appeal by Acting Head of State and Senate President Hun Sen, who called for firm action against officials complicit in smuggling during the border closure. Authorities say the crackdown is part of a broader effort to curb cross-border trafficking and uphold national security.

The suspects have been transferred to provincial headquarters for further questioning. Their alleged actions have sparked renewed scrutiny of corruption within Cambodia’s border enforcement, especially as regional trafficking networks continue to exploit vulnerable migrant workers amid economic hardship and political instability.

-2025-10-21