Kampot officers held over casino theft scandal

More than 30 police and military police officers in Kampot province have been arrested for allegedly breaking into a raided casino and stealing items that had been seized as evidence in an online scam investigation.

Local authorities confirmed today that those detained include senior and mid‑ranking figures: a deputy provincial police commissioner responsible for border affairs, district inspectors, deputy inspectors and border protection commanders, alongside numerous rank‑and‑file officers.

The suspects are accused of cutting locks and illegally entering the casino compound in Prek Chak, near the Cambodian‑Vietnamese border. The site had previously been raided in connection with online scam operations, and investigators say the officers removed materials considered crucial evidence in the case.

In a statement, Kampot Provincial Police acknowledged the arrests but said details were being withheld while legal procedures continue. “All of the officials involved have been arrested. However, the provincial police have not yet publicly released details because we are continuing legal procedures,” the statement read.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those arrested or the specific items allegedly stolen. The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors expected to determine charges in the coming days.

The scandal is likely to deepen public concern over corruption within law enforcement, particularly given the scale of the arrests and the involvement of senior officers. Cambodia has stepped up raids on scam centres in recent months, often uncovering large‑scale operations linked to human trafficking and fraud. The integrity of those tasked with enforcing the law is now under sharp scrutiny.

Observers note that the case highlights the challenges facing Cambodia’s anti‑scam crackdown. While authorities have pledged to dismantle criminal networks, allegations of misconduct within the police force risk undermining public trust and international confidence in the campaign.

For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Kampot, where more than 30 officers stand accused of turning from investigators into suspects themselves.

-2026-05-28