The Preah Sihanouk provincial police have warned the public about the risks of vehicles fitted with fake base transceiver station (BTS) message-sending equipment, which can be used to steal information or take control of electronic devices such as victims’ mobile phones.
In a Wednesday 22 statement, the police reported that they had discovered a Toyota Prius fitted with BTS equipment and other devices used to create and send fraudulent websites and messages. The vehicle was found near a casino on Road 300, in Sihanoukville town.
The driver, Pov Lihav, a 24-year-old Cambodian man, has been arrested.
Among the items seized were two fake BTS units and antennas, additional power supplies and three mobile phones.
A case file is being prepared for the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court.
Lieutenant General Sar Rotha, police chief of Preah Sihanouk, urged all citizens to be cautious and avoid providing rental or driving services for vehicles equipped with such devices.
Police explained that the devices are used to cut mobile-operator service and then send SMS messages containing advertising or potentially dangerous links.
Investigators explained that these systems can send links to fraudulent websites and may deliver malware or enable hacks. The equipment is designed to disrupt, infiltrate or gain unauthorised access to electronic devices or phones when recipients click the links — without their consent.
“Do not click links or give out personal information or OTP codes. Please report any suspicious vehicles to the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Headquarters,” police warned.
On January 10, 2024, Preah Sihanouk police seized five BTS equipped vehicles, 19 BTS, three Jammer cutters and other accessories from a business in Sihanoukville.
