BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) — In a groundbreaking move, Chinese police successfully completed the repatriation of over 680 suspects involved in illegal gambling and scams from Cambodia, marking a major victory in the fight against cross-border crimes.
The operation, which was carried out in coordination with Cambodian authorities, saw the suspects being extradited back to China on Thursday. The suspects are believed to have been part of a vast network of criminal activities, including online gambling and telecommunications fraud.
According to Chinese police, the suspects were operating from Cambodia, taking advantage of the country’s lax regulatory environment to carry out their illicit activities. These included setting up illegal gambling websites, running scam operations targeting Chinese nationals, and engaging in money laundering activities.
“The successful repatriation of these suspects is a testament to the strong cooperation between China and Cambodia in cracking down on transnational crimes,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.
The suspects were escorted back to China on a chartered flight, where they will face charges for their involvement in illegal activities. Chinese authorities have already launched investigations into the suspects’ networks, seeking to dismantle the criminal organizations behind these crimes.
The repatriation comes as part of China’s continued efforts to crackdown on illegal gambling and financial fraud, which have become a growing concern in recent years. The Chinese government has been working closely with international partners to target cross-border criminal activities, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia, where many criminal syndicates are known to operate.
The successful extradition of over 680 suspects from Cambodia is a clear signal that China is serious about combating transnational crimes and protecting its citizens from the threats posed by organized criminal networks. The operation serves as a stark reminder to would-be criminals that there is no safe haven for those who seek to exploit the law for their own gain.
