Chinese suspects of torture held in Phnom Penh

Cambodian police have arrested several Chinese and Indian suspects in a string of raids this month, uncovering cases of kidnapping, torture and extortion.

On 7 January, five Chinese men – Chen Yue, Laing Chang Lai, Da Hal, Tong Yun and Lu Yi Wang – were detained in Tboung Khmum province. Nine victims were rescued after one mother reported her son had been abducted for a ransom of $50,000.

In Phnom Penh, investigators probing the death of a young woman arrested two suspects: Jatla Siddartha, an Indian man, and Li Fang, a Chinese woman. The victim, Lai Yuqing, a 23‑year‑old Chinese woman, died in hospital after falling from her home.

A separate operation on 10 January freed Liang Tao, a Chinese man, who was found seriously injured in a hotel. Three suspects were taken into custody: Ma Chiwai, a Chinese man with Cambodian nationality, along with Chen Xiangliang and Fu Dongdong, both Chinese men, who were intercepted at Techo International Airport while attempting to flee.

Authorities say accomplices remain at large and have urged victims to come forward. The coordinated raids highlight Cambodia’s intensified crackdown on organised crime involving Chinese and Indian suspects operating in the country.

-2026-01-12