Chinese citizens who have left telecom fraud compounds are queuing outside the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh, hoping to replace lost passports and return home before Lunar New Year.
Hundreds lined up outside the embassy this week, many appearing tired and thinly dressed. They are seeking travel documents after leaving scam operations. Embassy security claimed only a few were former scam workers, with most applying for tourist visas.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun confirmed the situation, saying the embassy is communicating and coordinating with Cambodian authorities. China and Cambodia have cooperated closely against telecom fraud, achieving significant results.
The crackdown has affected Cambodia's tourism, with many Chinese travelers wary. The Cambodian Tourism Ministry and industry will launch a major campaign to counter negative information and plans a visa-free trial for mainland Chinese, Hong Kong and Macau passport holders from June 15 to October 15.
Cambodia recently arrested major fraud figures, including Chen Zhi and Huang Jimao, owner of the notorious "Royal Paradise" compound in Sihanoukville. Authorities pledge continued strict enforcement to eliminate telecom fraud and restore Cambodia's international image.
