The Kratie provincial court found a 74-year-old American national guilty of soliciting child prostitution involving two underage boys and was sentenced to 4 year imprisonment. The judgement was announced on March 29, 2022.  

In September 2021, the American man was arrested by the provincial Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police in Kratie on suspicion of sexual abuse of minors, following the disclosure provided to the police by his two victims. The case was also investigated by the US Homeland Security Investigation team who worked together with the national police. APLE assisted with law enforcement investigations and coordinated efforts to identify, locate and interview possible victims.

Following the police raid and rescue operation, APLE offered legal support to the victims and represented them through the court proceedings. APLE’s social work team worked closely with government social workers from the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (DoSVY) in Kratie to assess the needs and develop appropriate support plan for the victims and their families.

Lawyer provided by APLE to represent both survivors in court said to welcome the guilty verdict and applauded the court for their enormous effort in meeting the needs of the young victims who participated in the processes.

APLE’s Child Protection Specialist, Mr. Khoem Vando, said this case will send a warning message to those who would seek to sexually engage with children that you will be watched, reported to police and brought to justice if you involve a child in sexual activity. No matter where you are from and where you go to abuse a child in Cambodia, justice will come for you.