Preah Sihanouk police solve three cases, arrest nine suspects and safely rescue extortion victim

To maintain security, safety and public order for residents and tourists, specialist criminal police officers, working with the Sihanoukville city police inspectorate and relevant administrative police posts, investigated and cracked down on three criminal cases between October 31 and November 3, 2026, following the leadership recommendations of General Sar Thet, Commissioner-General of the National Police, and the guidance of Lieutenant General Sar Ratha, Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Commissioner. The operations led to the arrest of nine suspects, including Cambodian and Chinese nationals. Two cases involved theft of a motorcycle with a trailer and other property, and theft of air-conditioning refrigerant cylinders. In one case involving abduction, confinement, extortion and illegal possession of a weapon, police safely rescued a Chinese victim and seized US$500 and several mobile phones. The seized evidence included a motorcycle with a trailer, air-conditioning refrigerant cylinders, tools, several mobile phones, one handgun with seven 9mm rounds, one car and other related items. Separately, of 14 people detained in connection with the confinement and extortion case, careful questioning identified six suspects as being involved. The other eight, for whom no indication of involvement was found, were given guidance, signed undertakings and were allowed to return home with guarantors, with the agreement of the provincial police commissioner and the prosecutor at the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court. The specialist office has now prepared case files on all nine suspects and referred them to that court for legal proceedings. The provincial police commissariat pledged to continue strengthening patrols and action against all types of crime. By: Pai Sokhim