PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodian authorities have arrested Li Kuong, the 50-year-old Chinese-Cambodian owner of the notorious Huang Le compound and former president of the Sihanoukville Casino Association, in a major crackdown on telecom fraud operations.
Li, who once held an honorary lord title, is accused of organizing and operating a criminal network engaged in telecom fraud, money laundering, and human exploitation. Investigators allege he illegally recruited individuals and forced them to participate in online scams at casinos, hotels, and other venues under his control. The criminal activities reportedly began in 2019 and extended across Cambodia and other regions.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court ordered Li remanded to Prey Sar Prison pending further judicial proceedings. The Huang Le compound has previously drawn international attention for harsh conditions and abuse, including cases where victims were abandoned when they fell ill.
Cambodian authorities, under pressure from China and the global community, have pledged ongoing enforcement against telecom fraud. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha met with senior Chinese officials to reaffirm cooperation in dismantling cross-border scam networks, with China expressing strong support for Cambodia’s actions.
