Taiwan Protests Cambodia's Deportation of Fraud Suspects to China

MOFA Condemns Actions, Seeks Return of Taiwanese Nationals

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan has lodged a strong protest and expressed serious concerns regarding Cambodia's decision to deport Taiwanese fraud suspects to China. This follows the deportation of three groups of Taiwanese nationals, arrested in Cambodia for alleged involvement in fraudulent activities, on Sunday evening and Monday morning.

According to MOFA, the Cambodian government conducted a crackdown on a scam center, resulting in the arrest of 180 Taiwanese suspects. Acting on a request from China, Cambodia deported nearly 190 individuals, including both Chinese and Taiwanese nationals, to China.

The ministry highlighted its disappointment that the Cambodian government, under pressure from Beijing, failed to provide Taiwan with the exact number and a complete list of the deported Taiwanese suspects. MOFA stated, "The ministry not only continues to urge Cambodia to provide the information, but also expresses solemn concern and protest."

Upon learning of the incident, the ministry immediately consulted with other government agencies, including judicial authorities and the Mainland Affairs Council. The government is working to facilitate the return of the Taiwanese suspects to Taiwan, invoking the Cross-Strait Joint Crime-Fighting and Judicial Mutual Assistance Agreement (海峽兩岸共同打擊犯罪及司法互助協議).

Taiwan's representative office in Ho Chi Minh City is actively negotiating with the Cambodian government to secure information about the suspects. Furthermore, the government is utilizing cross-strait mechanisms to address the situation.

MOFA reiterated a warning to Taiwanese citizens, urging them to refrain from engaging in illegal telecommunications fraud abroad, as this can lead to imprisonment and damage the nation's reputation.

Government agencies are committed to collaborating with the international community to combat transnational crime. This deportation occurred just as Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) commenced his tour of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

Earlier reports from the Cambodia China Times indicated that Cambodian authorities raided an online scam center in Phnom Penh on March 31, detaining 186 foreigners suspected of running fraud schemes. All detainees were identified as Chinese or Taiwanese nationals.

An unnamed Ho Chi Minh City-based liaison officer for the Criminal Investigation Bureau revealed that Taiwan had been in talks with Cambodia to prevent the deportation of 179 Taiwanese fraud suspects to China. Cambodian media suggested the transfers were a gesture of goodwill towards Beijing.