The presence of illegal casinos and online gambling in Cambodia is directly linked to an increase in crime, including human trafficking and torture.Following a global public outcry, Cambodia has promised to crack down on illegal casinos, and the effort is reportedly paying off.
A few years ago, the Cambodian city of Sihanoukville seemed to be the next casino hotspot.However, the city soon disappeared.What followed, like Poipet and others, was an environment of almost total lawlessness that dominated the city.
In the face of repeated kidnappings, torture and trafficking that have claimed tens of thousands of lives, Cambodia has taken action.The latest government figures show that the number of human trafficking cases has dropped significantly, corresponding to a decline in illegal gambling in the country.
Restoring Cambodia's Image
According to the media Khmer Times, there were 1,036 cases of human trafficking reported online by last week.This data has been aggregated from various online sources where anyone can submit a complaint.
Most of them are foreigners.Of these, 989 investigations were conducted, 338 people were arrested, and five businesses were closed. 5 cases are still outstanding and another 47 cases have been formally closed.
Cambodian Interior Ministry Secretary and NCCT Vice-Chairman Kyaw Bunyen told the Khmer Times about the ongoing battle.She said state-sponsored investigations into human trafficking were "much less serious" than those reported by the international media.
Downplaying the atrocities, En explained that many of the victims of human trafficking were members of international criminal groups.She added that Cambodia's "success lies in the fact that there are currently very few complaints, even zero in some weeks."
Law enforcement agencies had to close 2021 human trafficking cases in 359, according to the NCCT, compared with 364 according to US State Department data citing official Cambodian government sources.The number dropped to 166 last year, according to the group.
The Cambodian government is going through a period of transition after recent political upheaval.Rights groups are optimistic that the new politicians will continue to lead the initiatives established by their predecessors.
not everyone agrees
Cambodia is reportedly going all out to clean up its image.But it is clear that not everyone in Cambodia agrees.The billboards removed by authorities in Poipet are a prime example.
Recently, a billboard advertising online gambling appeared right in front of Poipet Customs.The place looks like a slap in the face against the government.Furthermore, Poipet officials said no one has asked for permits to put up billboards, which is required by law.
At the very least, it is clear that multiple parties were involved, including online gambling platforms, designers and installers.They all seem to have supported the installation, even though online gambling is illegal.
The sign was only put up for two days before the city ordered it to be removed.An investigation is currently underway to identify those who helped set it up.
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