Senior general accused of shielding illegal Vietnamese lottery and online gambling network

A senior Cambodian general has been accused of standing behind a nationwide network of illegal Vietnamese lottery and online gambling operations, allegedly using bribes to secure protection from local authorities for businesses linked to his family.

Vietnamese number lotteries and online lotto games are illegal in Cambodia and are not licensed by the government. Despite this, the operations have spread widely across Phnom Penh and several provinces. Local media and civil society groups allege that General Keav Chamroeun, also known as Pring, has acted as a key protector of these activities, paying off local officials to allow the businesses to operate freely while targeting rival operators who refuse to cooperate.

Over the past five years, multiple Cambodian media outlets have reported on Keav Chamroeun’s alleged role in running and protecting Vietnamese lottery outlets operating under the K38 brand, as well as online gambling and fish shooting game venues. Despite repeated reports, authorities have taken no visible action to shut them down.

A former employee, speaking anonymously for security reasons, said he had worked for Keav Chamroeun for more than 15 years. He described Keav Chamroeun as one of the most influential figures in the illegal lottery trade, operating nationwide with support from local officials. The source said the K38 brand later changed its logo, but operations continued uninterrupted.

According to the source, lottery results are processed from two locations in Phnom Penh, one in the Orkide Borey area near Street 2004 and another in the Tuek L’ak market area. He also alleged links with other individuals, including a senior anti-narcotics official, raising concerns about conflicts of interest within law enforcement.

Residents in several communities say online gambling outlets are operating openly in markets, shops, and even private homes, with computer screens displaying lottery results in plain view. Customers reportedly gather to place bets and monitor outcomes, while local authorities take no action.

Community members say the spread of online gambling has contributed to rising poverty and insecurity, with some families selling land or cutting spending on food and education to fund gambling habits. Despite repeated government claims of crackdowns, residents say illegal gambling continues to expand into rural areas.

On February 18, 2024, Hun Manet ordered all provincial governors to intensify crackdowns on illegal online gambling and drug distribution nationwide. The Commercial Gambling Management Commission has repeatedly stated that Vietnamese lotteries and online lotto games are illegal and have never been licensed in Cambodia.

The Interior Ministry reported that in January 2024 alone, police raided 53 gambling locations nationwide, arresting dozens of suspects. However, civil society groups argue that enforcement remains selective and ineffective, accusing some officials of accepting bribes in exchange for inaction.

The Cambodia Daily said it was unable to reach Keav Chamroeun for comment on the allegations. Police spokesperson Chhay Kim Khoeun and Interior Ministry spokesperson Khieu Sophak were also unavailable for comment by the time of publication.

Civil society groups are urging sustained and independent enforcement, warning that illegal gambling remains a major driver of household poverty and social instability across Cambodia.