Human Rights Organization Criticizes Cambodia for Renewing Licenses of Casinos Linked to Criminal Activities
Amnesty International Challenges Cambodia’s Casino Licensing Decisions
Amnesty International, a global human rights advocacy group, has openly opposed Cambodia’s recent move to renew licenses for several casinos. These establishments are reportedly connected to serious criminal activities and scam operations.
Evidence Links Some Casinos to Criminal and Human Rights Abuses
This controversy arose shortly after the Cambodia Commercial Gambling Management Commission renewed permits for multiple casinos, including Crown casinos in Bavet, Chrey Thum, and Poipet, as well as Majestic Two and Majestic Hotel & Casino in Sihanoukville.
Amnesty International claims that some of these casinos are linked to scam centers involved in grave human rights abuses such as human trafficking, forced labor, child exploitation, and torture. Notably, one casino owner in Sihanoukville is currently facing several serious allegations.
The human rights group received information from survivors of these scam centers, which allowed them to verify the presence of these illicit operations within certain casino complexes. For instance, victims reported being held captive at the Crown Resorts complex in Poipet and coerced into aiding unlawful schemes.
Additional survivor statements suggest that other casinos may also be participating in similar illegal activities.
Call for Government Investigation and License Suspension
Amnesty International highlights the discrepancy of renewing licenses for questionable properties amidst an official campaign to clamp down on scam centers. Granting legitimacy to these businesses could inadvertently support organized crime networks.
The organization urges Cambodian authorities to clarify their decisions and to take immediate action to protect vulnerable individuals. Every day that these casinos remain operational under valid licenses puts guests and workers at risk of exploitation.
Montse Ferrer, Amnesty International’s interim co-regional director for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, described the extensive evidence connecting these casinos to human rights violations as deeply concerning. She calls for a thorough investigation across all levels of the affected corporations and insists on suspending the problematic licenses without delay.
Previously, Amnesty International’s reports led to widespread enforcement against many scam sites in Cambodia, and the organization hopes that this latest disclosure will spark a similar response.
