Cambodia police bust illegal casino disguised as $1 store in Phnom Penh
A foreign-run illegal gambling den disguised as an “All Goods for $1” store has been raided by authorities in Phnom Penh’s Kambol district of Cambodia. The raid took place at the shop along National Road 4 in Snguon Pich Village, Kantaok Commune.
The premises was reportedly rented to a 53-year-old Chinese national named Duan Chengyan. She was running an illegal casino behind the store’s facade. The Cambodian property owner said the space was leased for legitimate business purposes and immediately reported the matter to police upon discovering the unlawful activities.
The Kambol District Unified Command, led by District Governor Khim Sunsoda, conducted the raid with support from the landlord. Other officials involved included Deputy District Governor Hor Veasna, Colonel Hong Piseth, Inspector of the Kambol District Police Inspectorate, Lieutenant Colonel Chhieng Chanthol, Commander of the Kambol District Military Police, Deputy Mayor of Kantok Sangkat 1 Ang Teng, Kantok Sangkat Council member Pak Ravon, and Brigadier General Met Kimsan, Chief of the Kantok Administrative Police Station.
During the operation, authorities seized a large amount of gambling-related equipment. This included eight baccarat tables, two fish shooting game machines, one roulette-style table, gambling cards, chips, and 100 chairs. Other confiscated items included five tables, a television, a computer, six air conditioners, two refrigerators, cupboards, two LCD monitors, four fire extinguishers, a money counting machine, two gas tanks (one small and one large), a freezer, a dishwasher, a dining table, a rice cooker, and a soup pot.
All seized items have been transferred to the Kambol District Police Inspectorate. The materials will remain there while the Phnom Penh Administrative Unified Command Committee carries out further investigation and determines the next steps.
Cambodia-China strengthen ties to combat online gambling
The raid is part of Cambodia’s broader efforts to combat illegal online activities. Earlier in February, Cambodia and China took a significant step towards addressing the growing threats of online gambling and cyber scams by pledging to strengthen their collaborative efforts. This commitment was formalised during a meeting between Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Sokha and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin in Phnom Penh.
The Cambodian Interior Ministry highlighted the worldwide rise of online gambling and stressed the importance of international cooperation to combat the issue. Ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak said, “The trend of online gambling is spreading in most countries globally; therefore, we hosted the meeting to join the efforts.”
In December last year, the government launched a nationwide operation after a seven-day ultimatum from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. Authorities across the country are now intensifying efforts to dismantle gambling networks, shut down platforms, and arrest those responsible. The government’s objective is to restore public order and strengthen social safety by addressing both in-person and online gambling activities.
