Vietnam receives 68 nationals repatriated from Cambodia, many linked to online scam compounds

Border guards at the Xa Mat International Border Gate in Tay Ninh Province on Friday coordinated with relevant agencies to receive 36 Vietnamese nationals handed over by Cambodian authorities.

The group comprised 24 men and 12 women from 15 provinces and cities across Vietnam.

Before their return, the nationals had received consular protection from the Vietnamese Consulate General in Battambang, Cambodia.

During screening, authorities identified one individual who had previously left Vietnam illegally and was repatriated through the Moc Bai International Border Gate on June 30. The case remains under investigation.

Of the remaining 35 returnees, 12 were fined for lacking valid exit documents.

Most of those repatriated through Xa Mat said they had worked at online scam compounds in Cambodia's Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey Provinces, Bavet City, and other areas. Some said they had traveled to Cambodia in search of jobs.

Separately, border guards at the Dinh Ba International Border Gate in Dong Thap Province received 32 Vietnamese nationals, including 25 men and seven women, from 19 provinces and cities.

The returnees reported working at karaoke establishments, restaurants, and businesses involved in online gaming in Cambodia.

Following screening, authorities found no victims or suspected victims of human trafficking among the group.

Four individuals were fined a combined VND30 million (approximately US$1,160) for crossing the border without completing the required exit procedures.

All 32 returnees have been handed over to police in their respective localities in accordance with regulations.