Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that more than 140 Vietnamese citizens were detained in Phnom Penh on July 14 for their alleged involvement in online fraud operations.

Authorities are now working with Cambodian officials to verify their identities and arrange for their return.

Vietnamese Embassy working with Cambodian authorities

At a press conference on July 18, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang shared updates based on information from the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia.

She stated that Cambodian authorities had temporarily detained over 140 Vietnamese nationals suspected of engaging in cybercrime activities.

Following the arrests, the Vietnamese Embassy promptly contacted Cambodian agencies to gather further details, ensure the detainees’ living conditions were met, and assist with the preliminary identity verification process.

Consular support underway for repatriation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia and relevant agencies to coordinate with domestic and host country authorities to carry out necessary consular procedures and support the timely repatriation of these individuals.

The arrests took place during a large-scale crackdown on online fraud in Phnom Penh, according to Cambodian media. A photo released by Khmer Times shows several suspects taken into custody at a local complex on July 14.

Government warns against deceptive overseas job offers

The Foreign Ministry also reiterated its warning to Vietnamese citizens to remain cautious of job offers abroad that promise "light work with high pay" but do not require qualifications, offer no formal contracts, or are not arranged through authorized labor-export enterprises.

The Ministry urged individuals to thoroughly research the nature of any job offers, the hiring organization, workplace location, and legal protections including insurance and labor rights before accepting overseas employment.

Those seeking guidance are encouraged to contact the Citizen Protection Hotline of the Consular Department or the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia.

Vietnam reaffirms legal stance on East Sea

During the same press briefing, spokesperson Pham Thu Hang was asked for Vietnam’s position on the 9th anniversary of the July 12 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) concerning the Philippines’ case against China over the East Sea.

She stated: “Vietnam’s position has been clearly articulated in our official statements dated July 12, 2016, July 12, 2021, and July 15, 2023.”

Vietnam maintains that all maritime disputes must be resolved by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982, and without the use or threat of force.

Vietnam also called on all relevant parties to respect the legal rights of other nations and fulfill their obligations under UNCLOS 1982, contributing constructively to peace, stability, freedom of navigation and overflight, and the rule of law in the East Sea.

As a coastal nation and member of UNCLOS, Vietnam considers the 1982 convention the sole legal basis for determining maritime rights.

All maritime claims by states party to UNCLOS must comply with its provisions. Countries must respect the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of coastal states as defined by UNCLOS.

Tran Thuong