Amnesty alleges Cambodian police, soldiers helped guard abusive scam compounds

Guards enforced compound control

Amnesty alleges that police and military officers served as private security guards at compounds where thousands were forced to work in online fraud. The report says guards helped sustain a system involving slavery and rape, and some used electric batons to keep people trapped.

Survivors told the rights group that guards administered electric shocks and beatings, held people in dark rooms and stood watch while managers raped women. Amnesty said the guards controlled exits, pursued escapees and used fear and violence to force compliance.

Evidence and companies identified

The report names Leap Somnang as having the broadest presence, linking it to at least 15 compounds across eight provinces. Twelve survivors identified its guards, uniforms or logo, according to Amnesty. The group quoted a letter from Ban Sophat denying an ownership, director or management role, while saying he had served as an adviser to the company owner.

Trafficking and global losses

Annual losses from the industry are estimated at about $100bn, exceeding the GDP of several countries in the region. International pressure has mounted on Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to act, while some parts of the industry appear to be shifting to South Asia.

Officials respond to findings

Amnesty said it gave its findings to Cambodian authorities. The interior ministry said it had disciplined 77 police officers, prosecuted six private security guards for illegal use of stun batons and detained 17 military, police and civil officials over alleged collusion with criminals.

Amnesty secretary general Agnès Callamard said the infrastructure protecting the industry had not been dismantled, even where compounds were dormant. She said Cambodia must hold accountable those who staffed, managed, financed and protected the system.