Heng Sithy, a once-celebrated Cambodian businessman, has been arrested in Russia following a series of allegations implicating high-ranking Cambodian officials in corruption and illegal online gambling. Sithy (far left on featured image), 39, rose to prominence in Cambodia’s business community, earning the prestigious title of “oknha” for his contributions to society. However, his fortunes took a drastic turn in late 2024 after a contentious fallout with Singaporean entrepreneur Phua Gek Seng.

Gambling allegations and defamation lawsuits

In December 2024, Heng publicly accused Phua of running the “largest online casino network in Cambodia” and alleged that senior police officials accepted multimillion-dollar bribes to facilitate illegal gambling operations.

According to a by The Cambodia Daily, Heng Sethy, on his Facebook page, Heng Sethy for the People of Cambodia, posted a message saying “Online gambling and online scams are like a mountain of dust. If they haven’t been caught for a long time, now those Singaporeans are flying around pretending to be indifferent.”

 “It’s been ten days since you made the evidence public. The place where they were operating in Boeung Keng Kang has been closed, but they have gathered at their home on Tiger Road. What if there is suspicion? How do you get the Singaporean criminal of Cambodian nationality out? What day will he fly, where will he go, wait for me to tell you or what?”

“If they don’t dare to arrest him, what’s the point? At least they’ll take away his car and his boat that’s parked at Kampong Som before the authorities arrive and say they didn’t see it, right?”

SiGMA News could not independently verify this post as the said page has been removed/deactivated by Facebook.

Phua denied these claims and filed a defamation lawsuit against Heng. Cambodian courts subsequently issued an arrest warrant for Heng, accusing him of blackmail with aggravating circumstances.

Accusations against Kuoch Chamroeun

Adding to the controversy, (far right on featured image), the governor of Preah Sihanouk province, of accepting bribes and being complicit in facilitating illegal gambling activities. These allegations, though denied by Chamroeun, further highlight the alleged corruption in Cambodia’s burgeoning online gambling industry. Heng claims such activities are enabled by a network of officials who prioritise personal enrichment over enforcing the law.

Further allegations against Cambodian officials

Heng escalated his accusations in January 2025, this time targeting (middle on featured image). He claimed Hun To embezzled $9 million from a Chinese investor in a mining project. Hun To vehemently denied the allegations and threatened legal action. These accusations have brought increased scrutiny to Cambodia’s online gambling industry and its alleged ties to influential government figures.

Arrest and international implications

Despite an active arrest warrant, Heng travelled to Russia, claiming he intended to meet officials in President Vladimir Putin’s cabinet. On January 14, 2025, he was at the Russian border after Cambodian authorities revoked his passport and issued an Interpol Red Notice for his arrest.

Corruption in Cambodia’s gambling industry

Heng’s allegations have reignited debates about corruption within Cambodia’s burgeoning online gambling industry. The sector has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and allegations of high-level official complicity. Heng claims illegal online casinos operate openly, paying significant bribes to maintain their operations. Such accusations have been denied by those implicated, including senior police officials and political figures.

Awaiting extradition

The Cambodian Ministry of Justice has dismissed Heng’s complaints, stressing the importance of adhering to legal procedures. Heng remains in custody in Russia, awaiting potential extradition to Cambodia, where he faces charges of defamation and blackmail.

Heng Sithy’s case speaks volumes of the alleged nexus of business, politics, and online gambling in Cambodia. As investigations unfold, questions surrounding government accountability and industry regulation remain at the forefront of public discourse.

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