The Child Protection Unit (CPU) released an October 6 statement, detailing its involvement in three recent serious crimes against children. In the past two months, in cooperation with the Cambodian National Police, it has investigated cases involving sexual exploitation, the production and distribution of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and murder. Arrests were made in all three cases.
The CPU received an email tip alleging that an American man possessed CSAM and had engaged in child prostitution while residing in Cambodia.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) searches by the CPU’s investigative team uncovered new leads, allowing them to locate the suspect’s residence. The CPU’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) division then cooperated with the Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Department to arrest the suspect.
The CPU discovered CSAM stored on his mobile phone. The man reportedly sexually abused children aged 6 to 8.
In another case, the CPU worked with the National Police and the Tbong Khmum provincial police to arrest a 36-year-old man accused of producing and distributing CSAM. Investigators identified seven victims, aged 13 to 20, and seized extensive digital evidence, which has been submitted to the court. The suspect’s nationality was not specified.
In collaboration with the National Police, the CPU investigated the brutal murder of a 16-year-old girl in Kampong Chhnang province. The CPU’s Forensic Science and Technical (FST) team inspected the crime scene and conducted a forensic examination of the victim’s body.
The investigation determined that the victim had been stabbed 33 times. After a detailed inquiry and multiple witness interviews, authorities were able to identify and arrest a 17-year-old male suspect, who has since been handed over to the provincial police headquarters for further legal processing.
