Kandal, Cambodia – The Kandal Provincial Court has charged four transgender men for allegedly attempting to extort $2,000 from a businessman, threatening to expose a video of the victim viewing sexual content online. The suspects were identified as Hun Pheakra (27), Sim Sok Heng (34), Kan Pich (28), and Sam Veasna (32), all living in a rental house in Takhmao city, Kandal province.
According to court documents, the group has been charged with threatening an individual, extortion, and drug use.
Details of the Extortion Attempt
Major Kim Vanneth, Chief of the Anti-Cybercrimes Office in Kandal, stated that the incident began on the evening of October 4, 2024, when one of the suspects initiated contact with the victim via Telegram, pretending to be a woman. During the conversation, the suspect convinced the victim to pay money in exchange for nude photos.
After showing the victim the photos via Facebook, the suspect secretly recorded the victim while viewing the explicit content. The group later demanded $2,000 to delete the video and avoid sharing it on social media or with the victim’s wife.
Arrest and Charges
The suspects were arrested on October 9, 2024, during a police sting operation at a coffee shop in Takhmao city when they came to collect the money. Following their arrest, police conducted drug tests and found evidence of drug use.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by Cambodian authorities to combat cybercrime and extortion, especially those involving vulnerable victims and social media.
Authorities urge anyone involved in or threatened by similar crimes to report the incidents to local law enforcement.
