Police crack down on underage brothels

Police have launched a series of raids to crack down on a number of brothels – posing as restaurants – which offer sex to teenage girls.

Officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Bureau of the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Police raided the 3 establishments on the night of June 5, 2024 and arrested 27 people.

An official from the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Police Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Bureau said the operation took place along National Highway 5 in Chunkat Dai Village, Commune from Svay, Samaki Meanchey district.

The crackdown was carried out by Mr. Keo Rany, Deputy Prosecutor of the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Court and with the cooperation of the Samaki Meanchey District Police.

As a result of the crackdown, 27 people were arrested

4 of them were brothel owners and 23 were female victims.

Police named the brothels “Ko Dot”, “Heng Heng 7777” and “Jui 168”.

Authorities recovered condoms, lubricants and electronic cigarettes.

After two hours of interrogation, it was decided to refer the four traders to court, while the 23 female victims were referred to the Department of Social Affairs according to procedure.

The director of the rehabilitation office of the Kampong Chhnang provincial social affairs department confirmed that the anti-trafficking and juvenile protection office of the provincial police sent 11 women to the International Friendship Organization for training at their future age.

12 elderly women were allowed to return home.

Local sources say the brothels had become well known for offering sex to minors and that women were trafficked from all over Cambodia to work there.

• Keywords: brothel, underage prostitution