Cambodian Casino Supervisor Arrested After Allegations of Forced Labor

A supervisor of Chinese origin employed at a Cambodian gambling establishment has been apprehended and is currently facing accusations connected to involuntary servitude. This development comes in the wake of accounts stating that 42 Vietnamese nationals fled the casino after enduring circumstances characterized as contemporary enslavement.

General Keo Vannthan, a representative for Cambodia’s immigration agency, informed news outlets that a unit was deployed to the Golden Phoenix Entertainment Casino situated in Kandal province’s Koh Thom region. There, they apprehended the supervisor for interrogation. The supervisor’s identity remains undisclosed.

The inquiry concerning the supervisor commenced after the workers who absconded, having swum across the Bình Di River (the natural boundary separating Vietnam and Cambodia), returned to Vietnam and provided statements regarding their ordeal. Sadly, one of the laborers, an adolescent of 16, perished in the river during the escape attempt, while another was recaptured by casino security personnel. Among the 40 individuals who successfully escaped, five were female, and the remaining were male.

Those who managed to flee asserted that they were significantly undercompensated, receiving a mere $400 to $500 monthly despite promises of $800. They further allege that they were denied rest periods or any time off during their work shifts.

Although the casino supervisor conceded to “compelling the group to work against their volition,” they also contended that the escapees were indebted to the company. It’s important to highlight that none of the casino employees possessed valid passports, let alone visas permitting them to work in Cambodia.

The head of the An Giang Province Police Department, Dinh Van Noi, stated that individuals reported being tricked into a plan to illegally transport more than 2,000 Vietnamese nationals into Cambodia. They were assured employment at gaming establishments. However, they discovered they were coerced into involuntary servitude. Chief Noi disclosed that these laborers were frequently guaranteed substantial earnings that proved untrue. They were subsequently subjected to extortion by the casinos, demanding up to $30,000 USD for their return to Vietnam. This declaration follows a collaborative effort between Vietnamese and Cambodian officials in the initial six months of 2021, which effectively liberated over 250 individuals from comparable circumstances.