Cambodia to Deport Taiwaneses Involved in Fraud to China, Taiwanese Foreign Ministry Protests

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong protest and concern today regarding the recent deportation of Taiwanese individuals involved in a telecommunications fraud case in Cambodia to China.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Cambodian government recently cracked down on a telecommunications fraud ring, leading to the arrest of 180 Taiwanese nationals. Following requests from the Chinese authorities, Cambodia deported three groups totaling nearly 190 individuals, including Chinese and Taiwanese suspects, to China on the nights of April 13 and 14. Cambodia, under pressure from China, did not provide Taiwan with a list of names or specific numbers of individuals being deported. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to urge Cambodia to promptly provide this information and has expressed strong concern and protest over the matter.

The Taiwan representative office in Ho Chi Minh City received the news on April 1 and immediately engaged in negotiations with the Cambodian government through various channels. Taiwan requested Cambodia to provide a list of Taiwanese suspects and to follow the international norm of jurisdiction by sending the implicated individuals back to Taiwan for judicial investigation and trial.

Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan stated, “Despite our active negotiations, Cambodia not only failed to provide us with a list of our nationals involved but forcibly deported them to China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses serious concern and regret over Cambodia’s compliance with China, disregard for international norms, and ignoring the will of our nationals involved. The Ministry has instructed the Taiwan representative office in Ho Chi Minh City to convey a strong protest to the Cambodian government on behalf of the Taiwanese government.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan had consulted with relevant departments in advance and promptly informed the Ministry of Justice and Mainland Affairs Council after the incident occurred in order to seek the return of the individuals through the mechanism of the Cross-Strait Joint Crime Fighting and Judicial Assistance Agreement. The exact number of Taiwanese nationals involved in this case and other information are still being negotiated with the Cambodian authorities, and the Taiwanese government will also seek updates through bilateral mechanisms.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its call for nationals not to engage in illegal activities abroad, including telecommunications fraud, to avoid violating local laws and facing imprisonment overseas. This not only ruins personal futures but also damages the country’s reputation. The relevant departments of the Taiwanese government will continue to cooperate closely with other countries to enhance efforts to combat transnational crime.