Battambang, Cambodia – Authorities in Battambang province raided villa number 336 in Romchek 5 village, Ratanak commune, Battambang city, on the morning of 1/6. The operation led to the arrest of a group of individuals linked to online fraud. Police confirmed the villa belongs to an army general, whose identity was not disclosed.

The raid was conducted under the direct supervision of Sok Loo, head of the Battambang Provincial Unified Command, which oversees local security and administration. The suspects include 23 Filipinos, two Myanmarese, one Nigerian, one Sierra Leonean, and seven Cambodians. This group had reportedly moved to the villa on 11/5, having previously fled another scam operation that had been targeted by authorities.

The villa in Battambang raided by police on 1/6. *Khmer Times*

Following the arrests, the villa was sealed and handed over to the Battambang Provincial Unified Command. This incident follows previous efforts to combat online fraud networks in the country.

In a related development, Phnom Penh city court Judge Chhe Vivathanak on 22/5 issued an arrest warrant for Major Nuon Ninaro, a former military police commander in Poipet city. Ninaro faces accusations of complicity in online fraud and money laundering. Authorities have seized nine luxury villas owned by the former major. If convicted under the Criminal Code and anti-money laundering laws, Ninaro could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of at least USD 125,000.

Suspects arrested in the Battambang raid, Cambodia, 1/6. *Khmer Times*

Acting Head of State Hun Sen on 24/5 highlighted the detrimental impact of online fraud on Cambodia's international reputation. He urged officials to take decisive action to eradicate this issue.

By Ngoc Anh (Khmer Times, AKP)