Recently, Cambodia's Anti-Corruption Unit uncovered a scandal at the Techo International Airport involving an immigration officer accused of facilitating entry for telecom fraud groups, raking in over $200,000 in six months. The officer, 30-year-old Lieutenant Pei Paphon, allegedly offered services like helping blacklisted individuals and foreigners with fake passports enter Cambodia.
The investigation revealed that Pei Paphon had a price list for different entry services: $380 to $420 for business visas, $120 for tourist visas, $900 for e-commerce entry procedures, and $450 for VIP fast-track services. All it took was sending flight and passport details in advance, and upon arrival, someone would handle the rest. It was a well-oiled operation.
This case is linked to the Seven Star Sea telecom fraud and corruption scandal in Koh Kong Province. The Anti-Corruption Unit noted Pei Paphon's connections with Zhang Jianqiang, a Chinese national involved in fraud, who allegedly bribed local officials for protection. It seems the telecom fraud issue runs deep, with a complex web of connections.
