SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA — A 30-year-old Cambodian man, Hong Phea, has been arrested for running a fraudulent charity scam using AI-generated images on Facebook.
The Anti-Technology Crime Department took Hong Phea into custody in Ngai Baek Village, Siem Reap Province, following investigations into multiple Facebook accounts linked to him. These accounts, including one named “Khmer Khmer” and four others such as Hong Phea and Me Siem Reap, posted fabricated images of orphans, disabled individuals in urgent need, and army-related appeals. These images were created using advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
According to authorities, these fake posts solicited donations from compassionate citizens through QR codes. Hong Phea confessed to receiving about 2 million riel (approximately USD $500) from these deceptive appeals, which he used to cover his living expenses.
The Siem Reap Police’s Special Investigation Unit has prepared the case for prosecution at the Siem Reap Provincial Court.
Officials warn that as AI-generated images become more realistic, it is increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish genuine appeals from fraudulent ones. Scammers exploit this by using AI-created images on social media to raise money under false pretenses.
The National Police Commissioner urges citizens and social media users to exercise caution before donating and to help combat misinformation by not sharing unverified content online.
