Cambodian authorities arrested businessman Kuong Li, 50, following a BBC Eye investigation. The arrest occurred as part of a broader crackdown on organized online fraud. Li faces charges including illegal recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud, organized crime, and money laundering. A Phnom Penh court ordered Li remanded in custody on January 15 pending further investigation. The charges relate to alleged offenses committed since 2019 in Cambodia and other locations. Li's arrest follows the March 2023 broadcast of "The Pig Butchering Romance Scam," a BBC Eye report. The investigation highlighted alleged human trafficking and fraud within Southeast Asian scam compounds. The report specifically focused on the Huang Le compound in Sihanoukville, a property owned by Li. The Cambodian Ministry of Information has not yet released a statement regarding the potential impact on the Sihanoukville business community. Further legal proceedings are expected.
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