A Swiss national has been arrested in Cambodia and charged with multiple child sexual offences following a months‑long cross‑border investigation involving police in Australia, Switzerland and Cambodia.

The 47‑year‑old man was detained on 20 February by the Ministry of Interior’s Anti‑Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Department in Phnom Penh. He was formally charged six days later by the city’s municipal court under Cambodia’s Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation. The charges include production of child pornography, sexual intercourse with a minor under 15, and indecent acts against a minor.

Child protection organisation APLE Cambodia confirmed the arrest in a statement released on 2 March. It said the case began last year when Australia’s Queensland Police Service shared intelligence with Swiss authorities, who then passed information to Cambodian investigators.

During the inquiry, police recovered child sexual abuse material and identified an eight‑year‑old girl as a victim. APLE said the survivor disclosed repeated abuse during 2025 and is now receiving care and psychosocial support.

Samleang Seila, APLE’s executive director, stressed the importance of international cooperation in tackling child exploitation. “Cross‑border cooperation in responding to cases of child sexual exploitation is not just beneficial; it is essential,” he said. He added that timely information‑sharing can disrupt offending and protect children before further harm occurs.

The case also involved support from the Hard Places Community, another child protection group. Both organisations worked with Cambodian police to identify victims and provide assistance.

Authorities said ten foreigners will be released and deported in separate cases, but the Swiss suspect remains in custody pending trial.

Campaigners argue the case highlights both the risks posed by foreign offenders and the need for stronger safeguards in Cambodia, where poverty and weak regulation have left children vulnerable to exploitation.

-2026-03-03

It is like a vile disease that is spread by old men. From presidents to princes, no child is safe from these people.

Another "top quality" Western tourist, desired so highly by some of the people posting on this website.