Chinese Huione Pay Protest Turns Violent

Phnom Penh police have arrested two men accused of leading a violent protest by Chinese Huione Pay customers demanding access to frozen funds, highlighting growing unrest around the collapsed payments platform.

Authorities confirmed that Suon Sovanthai, 40, and Vath Makara, 37, were detained after allegedly mobilising more than 100 demonstrators outside the National Bank in Sen Sok district on 27 April. Police described Sovanthai as the ringleader.

The protest was dominated by Chinese nationals, many waving banners and Chinese flags as they called on Cambodia’s prime minister to intervene. Witnesses said the rally escalated when protesters blocked roads and clashed with security forces. Several were injured, including at least two Chinese citizens — one suffering a serious head wound.

Sovanthai, who claims $70,000 of his business funds remain locked in Huione Pay, was among those taken away. Other Chinese business owners said they had tens of thousands of dollars trapped in accounts, leaving them unable to pay staff or cover expenses. “Give the people’s money back,” shouted one protester, insisting ordinary customers should not be punished for Huione’s alleged crimes.

Huione Group has been linked to transnational scams and money laundering. Its former chairman Li Xiong was extradited to China earlier this month, accused of being part of a major criminal syndicate. The US Treasury designated Huione a “primary money-laundering concern” in 2025, barring American institutions from handling its transactions.

Despite those allegations, protesters — overwhelmingly Chinese nationals living in Cambodia — argue they are innocent customers caught in the fallout. They say their savings have been frozen since Huione’s licence was revoked, with Cambodia’s central bank advising creditors to pursue claims in court.

The unrest underscores the scale of the crisis. Cambodia has deported thousands of foreigners linked to online scams, but the Huione collapse has left ordinary Chinese workers and entrepreneurs demanding clarity on whether their money will ever be returned.

-2026-04-28